Note: This article may contain commentary reflecting the author’s opinion.
Republican Candidate Derrick Van Orden beat Democrat competitor Brad Pfaff in a tight competition to represent Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. This was a Republican flip, as incumbent Representative Ron Kind (D-WY) announced he would not run for re-election.
The Trump-backed Van Orden is a retired Navy Seal. He received Trump’s endorsement back in August, with Trump offering high praise as he did so:
“Derrick Van Orden is running for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. Derrick is a former Navy SEAL Senior Chief who bravely served and defended our Country. He strongly supports our Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, and he will always fight for Secure Borders, the Second Amendment, and our incredible Farmers. Derrick has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump wrote for his Save America PAC.
This is not Van Orden’s first time running for the seat in Wisconsin. He ran in 2020 and narrowly lost to incumbent Ron Kind in 2020 — by less than three percentage points.
This time, Van Orden squeaked out a victory, announcing his win in a Twitter post:
“I just got off the phone w/ @pfaff4congress, he very graciously conceded the race. I am looking forward to working closely with him to serve this great district and state. Sara Jane and I wish him and his family the very best.” Van Orden tweeted.
I just got off the phone w/ @pfaff4congress, he very graciously conceded the race.
I am looking forward to working closely with him to serve this great district and state.
Sara Jane and I wish him and his family the very best.
— Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) November 9, 2022
This is a huge flip for Republicans. At this point, every seat Republicans can win in the House matters. Nothing is to be taken for granted. We need all the America First patriots we can get to successfully challenge the Biden Administration, which is ripping our country into pieces. We hope Van Orden will use the grit and character he certainly gained during his time in the US Navy to protect our country in another way — this time from the radical encroachments of big government Democrats.
While we wait for results to pour in from other parts of the nation, this is a welcome addition to the Republican’s Midterm wins on Tuesday and a fantastic piece of the new GOP Congress.
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