Derek Van Orden Warns “Socialism Doesn’t Fly” as Wisconsin Midterm Race Heats Up

“SOCIALISM DOESN’T FLY”: Derek Van Orden Draws a Hard GOP Line in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Republican Rep. Derek Van Orden is drawing a sharp ideological line ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, warning voters in the state’s Third Congressional District that socialism has no place in the traditionally hard-working, rural communities he represents.

Van Orden delivered the message during the first Republican midterm convention in Dallas, where Republicans showcased their accomplishments and sought to draw a clear contrast with Democrats on the economy, health care, immigration and other major issues.

His remarks also put Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District race firmly in the spotlight as Democrats work to challenge his seat. Van Orden presented the contest as more than a traditional congressional race, arguing that voters will ultimately be choosing between fundamentally different visions for the country.

Van Orden Makes Cost of Living a Republican Priority

With voters focused heavily on household expenses, Van Orden said Republicans must continue talking about the cost of living heading into the midterms.

He pointed to grocery and pharmaceutical prices as areas where he said consumers are beginning to see relief. He also highlighted a $50 billion rural health care infrastructure investment that he credited to President Donald Trump and Republican policies.

Van Orden argued that the investment represents a major commitment to rural communities and criticized Democrats for not supporting the legislation that Republicans say helped make the funding possible.

For Republicans, the economic message is straightforward: demonstrate tangible benefits for working families while keeping the focus on affordability.

John Fetterman Appearance Highlights Democratic Divide

The convention also generated attention because Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman addressed attendees through a video message.

Fetterman described himself as a “common sense Democrat” and said he rejects political extremes and socialism while emphasizing his commitment to America.

Van Orden seized on the appearance as evidence that there is still room for Democrats who hold more moderate positions. He contrasted Fetterman’s comments with what he characterized as the increasingly left-wing direction of the Democratic Party.

Van Orden specifically criticized Democratic positions on immigration, health care and taxation, arguing that Republicans offer a different vision centered on economic opportunity and individual achievement.

Wisconsin’s Third District Race Takes Center Stage

The political battle becomes more personal when Van Orden turns to his own reelection campaign.

Democrats are attempting to flip Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District, putting Van Orden and Democratic challenger Rebecca Cook at the center of a closely watched contest.

Van Orden criticized Cook and described her as a socialist, arguing that voters in the district will reject that ideology. He also raised questions about her political and professional affiliations and made several allegations regarding organizations connected to her.

Those statements are Van Orden’s campaign assertions and are presented as such in the source material rather than independently verified facts.

His central argument, however, was clear: Wisconsin’s Third District, he said, is a place where voters value hard work, family and keeping what they earn.

“Socialism doesn’t fly,” was the message he used to summarize his political case.

Immigration Remains a Key Republican Attack Line

Immigration was another major component of Van Orden’s argument.

The congressman criticized Democrats over what he described as support for open borders and expanded government benefits for undocumented immigrants. He argued for stronger enforcement and deportation of immigrants who commit crimes.

Immigration is likely to remain a major issue for Republican candidates as they attempt to motivate their base while appealing to voters concerned about border security and national policy.

Beef Prices Put Rural Wisconsin Concerns in Focus

Van Orden also addressed rising beef prices and the difficulties facing American ranchers.

He said the administration is attempting to rebuild the nation’s cattle herd while balancing the needs of ranchers with the ability of consumers to afford beef.

The congressman connected the situation to border policy and the New World screwworm, saying efforts were underway to eradicate the threat and potentially reopen the southern border to feeder cattle.

The issue is particularly relevant in rural districts where agriculture remains an important part of the local economy.

AI Data Centers Become Another Wisconsin Battle

Artificial intelligence infrastructure is also emerging as a major policy issue for Wisconsin communities.

Van Orden said he has established several requirements for future data center development, including local control, protection of farmland and water, ratepayer protections and the use of existing infrastructure.

He proposed military bases as potential locations for public-private partnership data centers, arguing that such a strategy could reduce conflicts over farmland, water resources and local utility systems.

At the same time, Van Orden stressed the importance of maintaining American competitiveness in artificial intelligence, saying the technology has major national security implications.

A Defining Message for the 2026 Midterms

Van Orden’s appearance offered a preview of the Republican strategy heading into the Wisconsin midterms: emphasize affordability, rural investment, immigration enforcement, economic opportunity and opposition to what Republicans characterize as an increasingly socialist Democratic Party.

For Van Orden, however, the stakes are especially personal. Democrats are targeting his Third Congressional District, making the race an important test of whether Republicans can maintain their hold on the seat.

His message to voters is unmistakable: Republicans want to emphasize work, family, opportunity and local communities, while portraying the Democratic alternative as a move toward socialism.

With the election approaching, Wisconsin’s Third District could become one of the races to watch as both parties fight for control of Congress.

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