State Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, announced her campaign for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district on Oct. 3, pledging to champion workers' rights and democracy in a challenge to incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Wisconsin is currently split into eight congressional districts: six held by Republicans and two held by Democrats.
If Shankland wins the Democratic primary in August, she will be on the ballot against Van Orden in November.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and fight against extremism and get things done for our community just as I’ve done in the state Legislature,” Shankland said in a press release.
She cited her past accomplishments for workers rights, improving rural water quality and bipartisan bills. Shankland has been endorsed by seven labor unions, including IBEW State Conference and Pipe Trades Association.
“I have worked hard and been effective at finding middle ground with both parties to improve the lives of the people of Wisconsin,” Shankland said.
In her announcement speech, Shankland offered her criticisms of incumbent Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL who began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in January after defeating Democratic state Sen. Brad Pfaff. Prior to Van Orden’s election, the seat had been held by former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind for 26 years.
Shankland said Van Orden’s “temperament and demeanor are unbecoming of a member of Congress” after he cursed at a group of teenage Senate pages, telling them to “wake the fuck up you little shits,” while they were laying on the U.S. Capitol Rotunda floor in hopes of capturing a ceiling photo, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Van Orden has a history of involvement in controversial government actions. He endorsed former President Donald Trump and participated in the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, according to NPR.
Shankland is now the fourth Democrat to announce a campaign for the 3rd Congressional District. Her opponents include Eau Claire small business owner and nonprofit leader Rebecca Cooke, La Crosse author Tara Johnson and Milwaukee resident Adam Nytes.
Republicans currently hold a nine-member majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is a battleground for both Republicans’ and Democrats’ hopes to win the House in 2024.
