Derrick Van Orden holds press conference discussing his view on data centers
The debate over data center development is a key issue in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District race. Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden held a press conference to defend his record against criticisms regarding campaign contributions and tax breaks for data center developers. His opponent, Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke, criticized Van Orden's voting record and advocated for a data center moratorium, claiming he is attempting to rewrite his record.
The 3rd Congressional District race in Wisconsin features a contentious debate over data center development. Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden addressed criticisms in Menomonie regarding campaign contributions from organizations linked to the data center industry and his vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill act, which provided tax breaks for developers.
Van Orden accused his Democratic opponent, Rebecca Cooke, of previously working with organizations like the Wisconsin Technology Council and Third Way, both of which have supported data center projects. He specifically blamed Cooke for data center developments in Mount Pleasant and Beaver Dam, stating she is "responsible for covering up pristine Wisconsin farmland."
In response, Rebecca Cooke's campaign issued a statement, asserting that Van Orden was the one who voted for a significant tax break for data center developers. Cooke criticized Van Orden for not holding town halls and reiterated her long-standing advocacy for a data center moratorium, suggesting Van Orden's recent comments were an attempt to gain political points late in the election.