Van Orden wins Third Congressional District race, flips seat after 26 years

LA CROSSE (WKBT) — Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District is sending Republican Derrick Van Orden to Washington.

Van Orden lost this race two years ago to now-outgoing Rep. Ron Kind, but this time defeats Kind’s endorsed candidate–Brad Pfaff.

In his acceptance speech, Van Orden vowed to work across the aisle.

“I will compromise. I will work with anybody on the other side who’s willing to put the betterment of the district, the state of Wisconsin and United States of America above their own personal political wants and needs,” Van Orden said. “I will work with anyone for that purpose because that’s how you govern. I’m telling you right now–you look me straight in the eye, I will never capitulate. I will not give up the values that the people of the third district of Wisconsin understand that I hold and share with them–and that’s why they voted me into office.”

Democratic candidate for the Third District Brad Pfaff never showed up to the Democrats’ watch party.

Pfaff will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Outgoing Congressman Ron Kind, who held the seat for 26 years but did not seek reelection, endorsed Pfaff.

Before the watch party concluded, Kind made sure to thank his fellow Democrats for all their effort.

“Tawni and I just want to, as I conclude, thank you all for your help and your support, and especially your friendship over these last 26 years as your representative in Congress,” Kind said.

COPYRIGHT 2022 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.