# Rural Wisconsin Politics Shifts as AI Deepfakes Spark Debate

> Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke faces Rep. Derrick Van Orden in a rural Wisconsin district where AI deepfakes and economic frustrations are reshaping the election.
- Title: Rural Wisconsin Politics Shifts as AI Deepfakes Spark Debate
- Summary: Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke faces Rep. Derrick Van Orden in a rural Wisconsin district where AI deepfakes and economic frustrations are reshaping the…
- Keywords: rebecca cook, derrick van orden, wisconsin, congressional district, ai deepfakes, economy, political campaign, midterms, democratic party, republican party, news, politics
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/10/13/in-rural-wisconsin-politics-is-still-about-meeting-voters-online-its-getting-weird-partner
- Author: Grace Panetta
- Published: 2026-10-13T10:00:37+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: rebecca cook, derrick van orden, wisconsin, congressional district, ai deepfakes, economy, political campaign, midterms, democratic party, republican party, news, politics
## Rural Wisconsin Politics
In rural Wisconsin, politics is still about meeting voters online, it’s getting weird.
## Cooke Campaign Strategy
Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke chats with constituents at the Gays Mills Apple Festival in Wisconsin on September 27, 2026.
## Van Orden’s Campaign
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, faces criticism for inflammatory remarks about women and social issues.
## Economic Frustrations
Rural voters cite high costs of living and Trump’s economic policies as reasons for supporting Cooke over Van Orden.
## AI Deepfakes
Van Orden posts AI-generated deepfakes of Cooke on social media, which Cooke’s campaign calls misleading.
## Cooke’s Background
Rebecca Cooke, a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, grew up on a family dairy farm and now runs a nonprofit focused on economic development.
## Van Orden’s Controversies
Van Orden has a history of making inflammatory statements about women and has been criticized by the Wisconsin Muslim Alliance.
## Midterm Dynamics
Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is a battleground where Democrats see momentum due to economic frustrations and Van Orden’s controversial record.
## AI Campaign Tactics
Van Orden uses AI tools to create deepfake videos of Cooke, depicting her as an indignant red duck.
## Voter Sentiment
Local voters in Gays Mills support Cooke over Van Orden, citing economic issues and Van Orden’s extreme policies.
## Campaign Strategy
Cooke focuses on rural communities and economic issues, avoiding ideological pigeonholing to build a "big tent" for Democrats.
## Data Center Debate
Cooke supports a federal moratorium on new data centers, while Van Orden opposes it, sparking a cross-partisan backlash.
## Legal Action
Cooke’s campaign sent Van Orden a cease-and-desist letter over AI-generated deepfakes he posted of her.
## Van Orden’s Response
Van Orden calls Cooke’s campaign tactics a "stunt" and accuses her of running false ads about his record.
## Election Outcome
Cooke outperformed Vice President Kamala Harris in the district, signaling strong support among rural voters.
## What Happens Next
The election in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District will determine whether Democrats gain a seat in the House of Representatives.
## Key takeaway

Rebecca Cooke, a sixth-generation Wisconsinite running against Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, is gaining rural voter support through economic concerns and authenticity, while Van Orden’s AI-generated deepfakes of Cooke intensify the campaign.