Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) will face Rebecca Cooke (D) in a rematch for Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District, a key battleground seat in central and western Wisconsin, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ. The race marks a return to the same contest that took place in 2024, where Van Orden narrowly won by more than 11,000 votes. Cooke, a political fundraiser and waitress, successfully defended her position against a challenge from former Eau Claire City Council member David Kline before facing Van Orden. This time, she faces the same Republican incumbent, though the political landscape has shifted significantly since last year. Van Orden, a conservative stalwart within the Republican Party, has been a prominent figure in Wisconsin politics, known for his strong stances on immigration and national security. His campaign has focused on economic growth, border control, and opposing progressive policies. Meanwhile, Cooke, running as a Democrat, has emphasized issues such as healthcare access, climate change, and social equity. Her campaign has highlighted the need for bipartisan solutions and increased government accountability, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding some Republican lawmakers. In northern Wisconsin, another high-stakes race unfolded as Michael Alfonso, 26, secured the GOP nomination for the 1st Congressional District. Alfonso, backed by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and endorsed by President Trump, represents a new generation of Republicans vying for influence in the state. His victory in the primary positions him as a potential contender in the November election, where he will likely face Democratic nominee Shannon O’Keefe, a former school board member and advocate for education reform. Meanwhile, in Florida, the political scene has taken a dramatic turn regarding Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL). Governor Ron DeSantis, a leading Republican figure, publicly stated during a press conference at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University that he does not endorse or support Mills’s reelection bid in the 7th Congressional District. This stance comes amid mounting pressure from both within and outside the party due to allegations against Mills. These include accusations of domestic abuse, financial misconduct, and violations of congressional ethics rules. The controversy surrounding Mills began earlier this year when Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution to expel him from Congress. The resolution cited multiple incidents involving Mills, including an alleged assault on a 27-year-old woman in Washington, D.C., which was corroborated by body camera footage and police reports. Mills allegedly instructed the victim to lie to authorities and attempted to contact then-Attorney General Pam Bondi. The DC Metropolitan Police found probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for misdemeanor assault, which was later forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Further complications arose in July 2025, when another woman reported that Mills threatened to release intimate videos of her and jeopardize her future relationships. In October 2025, a Florida circuit court issued a final injunction against Mills, citing his repeated disregard for requests to cease contact and the resulting emotional distress. The court also noted allegations that Mills engaged in stolen valor and violated House rules by allowing his companies to seek federal contracts while serving on key committees. Despite these serious charges, Mills has remained in Congress, with support from some Republican allies. However, the growing scrutiny has led to calls for his removal. Rep. Mace has argued that the evidence against Mills is overwhelming, encompassing violent behavior toward women, cyberstalking, dishonesty about his military service, and profiting from his congressional position. She asserts that supporting Mills is tantamount to protecting a criminal and a fraud. In the upcoming Florida primary, Republican Ryan Elijah has emerged as the main challenger to Mills. Notably, President Donald Trump, who once endorsed Mills, has not included him among his recent list of candidates for the August 18 primary. This shift underscores the increasing internal divisions within the Republican Party, especially concerning ethical conduct and accountability. As the primary approaches, the focus will remain on how these developments shape the broader political landscape in both Wisconsin and Florida.
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