Derrick Van Orden stands as one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive political figures, serving as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district since 2023. Born on September 15, 1969, this Republican congressman brings a unique combination of military expertise, entertainment industry experience, and conservative political leadership to the halls of Congress. His recent reelection victory in 2024, where he successfully fended off a challenge from Democrat Rebecca Cooke in one of the nation’s most closely watched congressional races, solidifies his position as a key figure in Wisconsin politics.
Van Orden’s journey from a Navy SEAL warrior to a U.S. Representative exemplifies the diverse paths that lead to public service in America. His story resonates with constituents who value military service, conservative principles, and authentic leadership. As a Wisconsin congressman, he has positioned himself as a strong advocate for agricultural interests, veterans’ affairs, and traditional American values, making him a significant voice in contemporary Republican politics.
The third congressional district of Wisconsin has found in Derrick Van Orden a representative who understands both the sacrifices required for national security and the legislative processes necessary to advance constituent interests. His transition from special operations to congressional service represents a fascinating case study in modern American political leadership, combining military discipline with political acumen.
Early Life and Background
Derrick Francis Van Orden was born in Minnesota, where his formative years were shaped by rural poverty and the strong influence of his mother, Carol. Raised alongside his brother by their beloved mother, who was described as “a fiery Irish farm girl,” Van Orden learned early lessons about hard work, self-reliance, and never backing down from a just fight. These early experiences in rural America would later inform his political philosophy and his understanding of the challenges facing working families.
The future Wisconsin representative demonstrated an early inclination toward service, making the decision to join the United States Navy at the remarkably young age of 18. This pivotal choice in 1988 would set the trajectory for his entire adult life, leading him through decades of military service that would ultimately prepare him for his role as a congressman. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior University, which he pursued while balancing the demanding requirements of military service.
Growing up in modest circumstances instilled in Van Orden a deep appreciation for the struggles of ordinary Americans. His mother’s influence taught him to speak plainly and directly, qualities that would later serve him well both in military leadership and political communication. The values of hard work, integrity, and unwavering determination that were instilled during his youth became the foundation upon which he would build both his military career and his subsequent political aspirations.
Military Service and Navy SEAL Career
Path to Becoming a Navy SEAL
Van Orden’s military journey began when he joined the United States Navy in 1988 at age 18, and he received orders to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in 1992. The transition from a young man from rural Minnesota to one of America’s elite special operations warriors required extraordinary dedication, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude.
The BUD/S training program is legendary for its difficulty, with success rates typically hovering around 20-25%. Van Orden’s successful completion of this grueling program marked him as part of an elite fraternity of warriors capable of operating in the most challenging environments on Earth. His graduation from BUD/S represented not just personal achievement but also the beginning of a distinguished career in special operations that would span over two decades.
Military Service Record
Van Orden served with distinction for 26 years, retiring as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief with 5 combat deployments. His service took him across multiple continents, including deployments to the Horn of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America. This global experience provided him with invaluable insights into international affairs, cultural dynamics, and the complexities of modern warfare.
During his European tour in 2012, Van Orden held significant operational responsibilities, demonstrating the trust placed in him by military leadership. His combat experience across multiple theaters of operation gave him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing American military personnel and the strategic considerations that guide U.S. foreign policy. The leadership skills developed during his Navy SEAL career would prove instrumental in his later transition to political leadership.
The Senior Chief rank that Van Orden achieved represents significant accomplishment within the Navy SEAL community. This senior enlisted position requires not only tactical expertise but also the ability to train, mentor, and lead other SEALs. His promotion to this level reflects recognition of his capabilities as both a warrior and a leader, qualities that constituents would later value in their congressional representative.
Acting and Entertainment Career
Beyond his military service, Derrick Van Orden developed a parallel career in the entertainment industry that showcased his versatility and provided him with unique experiences outside the military sphere. His most notable acting credit came in the 2012 film “Act of Valor,” alongside appearances in “Surviving the Wild” (2018) and “Azadah” (2015).
The film “Act of Valor” was particularly significant as it featured active-duty Navy SEALs in leading roles, providing unprecedented authenticity to the portrayal of special operations. Van Orden’s participation in this project demonstrated his comfort in representing the SEAL community to broader audiences and his ability to translate military experiences into civilian contexts.
His acting experience contributed to his communication skills and public presence, assets that would prove valuable in his political career. The entertainment industry exposed Van Orden to different perspectives and challenged him to work with diverse groups of people, experiences that broadened his understanding beyond the military environment. This unique combination of military service and entertainment industry experience distinguishes Van Orden from many of his colleagues in Congress.
Political Career and Congressional Service
Path to Congress
Van Orden’s entry into politics represented a natural evolution of his commitment to public service. After retiring from the Navy in 2014, he eventually set his sights on representing the people of Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district. His decision to run for Congress was motivated by his desire to continue serving his country in a different capacity and to bring his unique perspective to the legislative process.
The third district of Wisconsin encompasses a diverse area that includes rural communities, small towns, and some urban centers. This constituency alignment matched well with Van Orden’s background and values, providing him with a platform to advocate for rural interests, veterans’ affairs, and conservative principles. His military background resonated strongly with voters who valued service and sacrifice.
Current Congressional Role
Currently serving as the U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district as a member of the Republican Party, Van Orden has established himself as an active and engaged congressman. He serves on the House Agriculture Committee, where he functions as a voice for Wisconsin farmers in Washington, leveraging his understanding of rural communities to advocate for agricultural interests.
His committee assignments reflect both his background and the needs of his constituents. The Agriculture Committee position allows him to directly impact policies affecting the farming communities that form a significant portion of his district. His military experience provides valuable perspective on defense and veterans’ issues, while his diverse background enables him to contribute meaningfully to various legislative discussions.
2024 Reelection Campaign
Van Orden’s first reelection bid in 2024 proved successful, as he won his race in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating Democrat Rebecca Cooke in what was considered one of the nation’s most closely watched congressional races. This victory demonstrated his ability to maintain constituent support and navigate competitive electoral politics.
The 2024 election tested Van Orden’s political skills and his connection with voters in his district. His successful defense of the seat indicates strong constituent approval of his performance during his first term in Congress. The competitive nature of the race highlighted the importance of Wisconsin’s 3rd district in the broader political landscape and Van Orden’s ability to succeed in challenging electoral environments.
Key Policy Positions and Legislative Work
Agricultural Advocacy
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Van Orden has positioned himself as a strong advocate for Wisconsin farmers and rural communities. His expertise in agricultural issues has been recognized by fellow Republicans, with Senator Johnson stating he would “rely on Derrick for a lot of advice on some of these more detailed and complex issues in terms of agriculture”. This recognition speaks to his growing influence within Republican agricultural policy circles.
The 2024 Farm Bill represents a significant piece of legislation that Van Orden has worked on during his time in Congress. His rural background and understanding of agricultural challenges position him well to contribute to policies affecting farmers, rural development, and food security. His advocacy extends to supporting policies that strengthen rural economies and preserve the agricultural way of life that defines much of his district.
Veterans Affairs
Van Orden’s extensive military background makes him a natural advocate for veterans’ issues in Congress. His personal experience with military service, deployment challenges, and the transition to civilian life provides him with authentic insights into the needs of veterans and active-duty service members. His advocacy work focuses on improving veterans’ healthcare, education benefits, and employment opportunities.
The congressman’s work on veterans’ issues extends beyond policy to include direct constituent services. His office actively assists veterans in navigating federal bureaucracy, accessing benefits, and resolving service-related issues. This hands-on approach to veterans’ advocacy reflects his commitment to supporting those who have served their country.
Conservative Principles
As a Republican congressman, Van Orden consistently advocates for conservative principles including limited government, fiscal responsibility, and traditional values. His voting record reflects support for policies that reduce federal regulations, support small businesses, and protect constitutional rights. His military background influences his strong support for robust national defense and law enforcement.
His political philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, free enterprise, and constitutional governance. These principles guide his legislative work and his approach to representing his constituents in Congress. His communication style reflects the plain-spoken approach he learned from his mother and refined through military service.
Challenges and Controversies
Like many political figures, Derrick Van Orden has faced various challenges and controversies during his political career. These experiences have tested his leadership abilities and provided opportunities for growth in his role as a congressman. His approach to addressing criticism and controversy reflects both his military training and his commitment to transparent communication with constituents.
The transition from military service to political office requires adapting to different standards of public scrutiny and media attention. Van Orden’s experience in this area demonstrates the learning curve that military veterans often face when entering civilian political roles. His handling of these challenges provides insights into his character and his ability to serve effectively in Congress.
Personal Life and Family
Van Orden met and married his wife, Sara Jane, over 27 years ago, and they have four children together. His family life provides stability and grounding that supports his demanding career in public service. The values instilled in his family life influence his political positions and his understanding of the challenges facing American families.
Balancing family responsibilities with the demands of congressional service requires careful time management and strong family support. Van Orden’s long marriage and his role as a father and grandfather inform his perspective on family policy, education, and the importance of strong communities. His personal experiences enhance his ability to represent families in his district who face similar challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities.
The Van Orden family’s commitment to public service extends beyond his political career, reflecting values of community involvement and civic engagement. This family foundation provides him with the support system necessary for effective public service and helps him maintain perspective on the issues that matter most to his constituents.
Future Outlook and Conclusion
Derrick Van Orden’s political trajectory suggests a continued influential role in Wisconsin politics and potentially broader Republican leadership. His unique combination of military experience, constituent service, and legislative acumen positions him well for continued success in Congress. His declared candidacy for the 2026 election indicates his commitment to continuing his service to Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district.
The congressman’s growing influence within the Republican Party and his expertise in key policy areas suggest potential for expanded leadership roles. His military background and practical approach to governance make him a valuable voice in discussions about national security, veterans’ affairs, and rural policy. His ability to connect with diverse constituencies while maintaining strong conservative principles positions him well for future political opportunities.
Van Orden’s story represents the American dream of service, sacrifice, and civic engagement. From his humble beginnings in rural Minnesota to his distinguished military career and his current role as a U.S. Representative, his journey exemplifies the diverse paths to public service in America. His continued commitment to representing the people of Wisconsin while advocating for conservative principles ensures his ongoing relevance in American political discourse.
As Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district continues to evolve, Derrick Van Orden remains positioned to adapt and respond to the changing needs of his constituents while maintaining his core principles. His effectiveness as a congressman will ultimately be measured by his ability to deliver results for the people he serves while contributing to the broader conservative movement in American politics.
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