Congressman Derrick Van Orden and the National Republican Congressional Committee officially launched a new “Battle Station” office in La Crosse County, signaling an early and aggressive push to hold Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District in 2026.
Republicans in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District aren’t waiting for campaign season to kick into gear. Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined the National Republican Congressional Committee Tuesday for the grand opening of a new “Battle Station” office in La Crosse County — a dedicated grassroots hub designed to mobilize supporters and build momentum well ahead of the midterms.
The NRCC says the Battle Station will serve as the operational headquarters for Van Orden’s ground team, coordinating outreach, voter contact, and community engagement across the district. (RELATED: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rodriguez Vows Secret Budget Deals If Elected Governor)
Van Orden made clear his team isn’t taking anything for granted. “Everybody here in the 3rd Congressional District is excited, we’re fired up, we understand that if we don’t work right now we’re not going to have a country worth living in,” he said at the opening. “All the folks that you see here will be working, burning up the shoe leather making sure that they get out the word about what we’ve accomplished previously in Congress and what we’re going to do in the future.”
The early launch of a physical campaign office reflects the competitive nature of the 3rd District and the GOP’s commitment to retaining the seat. By establishing a permanent grassroots presence now, Van Orden’s team aims to build the kind of on-the-ground infrastructure that can make the difference in a close race.
