Third Democrat announces congressional bid in Western Wisconsin

Laura Benjamin, a small business owner and former Eau Claire City Council member, announced her candidacy for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District on Thursday. Benjamin will face two other primary challengers aiming to run against Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden next year. Benjamin plans to kick off her campaign with a public open mic town hall on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire. Benjamin is the third Democrat to announce a bid for the 3rd Congressional District. She joins Rebecca Cooke and Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge. Derrick Van Orden confirmed to our media partners his intent to run for reelection.