Wisconsin congressional hopeful Rebecca Cooke says Democrats have ignored rural voters

Rebecca Cooke, running as a Democrat for Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district, appeared on the Politics War Room podcast to criticize her party’s recent focus on urban, progressive voters. Describing herself as a Blue Dog and New Democrat, she said the label means fiscally conservative, socially liberal and rooted in place-based politics that resonate with rural and working-class voters. Cooke cited her upbringing on a dairy farm, years as a waitress, and experience running a small business as proof that many lawmakers lack real-world insight.

She called for more candidates with working-class backgrounds and pledged to seek bipartisan solutions, including a secure border, full police funding, and opposition to universal student-loan forgiveness. Cooke also referenced a recent ad filmed on her parents’ farm that warned against extremes on both sides of Washington. A campaign spokesperson noted she has been meeting voters in every county, even shaking hands with MAGA supporters.