Political advertising has reached a new low — and Republicans are spending millions to make sure voters are angry, misinformed and distracted.

That’s especially clear in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, where roughly $42 million has already gone into the race between Democrat Rebecca Cook and Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden. Van Orden is relying heavily on attack ads and AI-generated content while maintaining his close alliance with Donald Trump — and keeping his campaign appearances away from the kind of open town halls where constituents can ask him tough questions.

From misleading attack ads and AI-generated videos to manufactured culture-war controversies, the 2026 campaign is becoming a test of just how far Republicans will go to hold onto power. We look at examples from Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas and beyond — and what Democrats are facing in the fight to take back Congress.

The topics:


$42 Million in Wisconsin’s 3rd CD: The staggering amount of money poured into the race between Rebecca Cook and Derek Van Orden — and the fight for control of Congress.


Elon vs. Soros: Musk’s massive investment in Republican politics, the role of wealthy donors and the double standard Republicans apply when criticizing Democratic megadonors.


The Politics of Personal Trauma: The disturbing Ohio attack ad using the estranged mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton — and the family history behind it.


Van Orden Stoops to Deepfakes: AI-generated videos targeting Rebecca Cook, Van Orden’s attack-heavy campaign strategy and his continued alignment with Donald Trump.


Democrats Take Congress. Then What? What Democrats could realistically accomplish — and what would remain out of reach — if they win control of Congress.

Political advertising has reached a new low &mdash; and Republicans are spending millions to make sure voters are angry, misinformed and distracted.
That&rsquo;s especially clear in Wisconsin&rsquo;s 3rd Congressional District, where roughly $42 million has already gone into the race between Democrat Rebecca Cook and Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden. Van Orden is relying heavily on attack ads and AI-generated content while maintaining his close alliance with Donald Trump &mdash; and keeping his campaign appearances away from the kind of open town halls where constituents can ask him tough questions.
From misleading attack ads and AI-generated videos to manufactured culture-war controversies, the 2026 campaign is becoming a test of just how far Republicans will go to hold onto power. We look at examples from Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas and beyond &mdash; and what Democrats are facing in the fight to take back Congress.
The topics:
<ul>
<li>
$42 Million in Wisconsin&rsquo;s 3rd CD: The staggering amount of money poured into the race between Rebecca Cook and Derek Van Orden &mdash; and the fight for control of Congress.
</li>
<li>
Elon vs. Soros: Musk&rsquo;s massive investment in Republican politics, the role of wealthy donors and the double standard Republicans apply when criticizing Democratic megadonors.
</li>
<li>
The Politics of Personal Trauma: The disturbing Ohio attack ad using the estranged mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton &mdash; and the family history behind it.
</li>
<li>
Van Orden Stoops to Deepfakes: AI-generated videos targeting Rebecca Cook, Van Orden&rsquo;s attack-heavy campaign strategy and his continued alignment with Donald Trump.
</li>
<li>
Democrats Take Congress. Then What? What Democrats could realistically accomplish &mdash; and what would remain out of reach &mdash; if they win control of Congress.
</li>
</ul>

From La Crosse to Madison to D.C., La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia and WIZM's Rick Solem break down the politics impacting Wisconsinites.

From La Crosse to Madison to D.C., La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia and <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">WIZM's</a> Rick Solem break down the politics impacting Wisconsinites.

The Democratic Voice Podcast

From La Crosse to Madison to D.C., La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia and WIZM's Rick Solem break down the politics impacting Wisconsinites.