Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke has reversed her position on a federal ban of conversion therapy after facing criticism from progressive voters and primary challengers. Cooke, who is running to unseat Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, had previously declined to endorse a federal ban, favoring local control over the issue.
During candidate forums held before the Aug. 11 primary, Cooke stated her preference for local communities to regulate conversion therapy. In one instance, when asked about pushing back against a Supreme Court ruling that allowed Colorado to not enforce its state-level ban over free speech concerns, Cooke said she favored "local control when making policies like this." At another forum, she responded "no" when asked if the federal government should pass legislation banning the practice.
These statements drew sharp criticism from some progressive voters, who expressed concern on social media that Cooke was not adequately protecting the LGBTQ community. Her primary challenger, former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge, who is running to Cooke's left, has been clear in her denunciation of conversion therapy. Berge, a therapist, stated that "conversion therapy has no place in our society, in our culture."
Following the backlash, Cooke issued a statement asserting that she had "misunderstood" a moderator's question and that she supported a federal ban on conversion therapy. She further clarified her position in a July forum, stating, "I do not support conversion therapy whatsoever."
Republicans, including the Van Orden campaign and the Republican National Committee, have criticized Cooke's shifting stance. They argue that her reversal demonstrates a willingness to change positions to appease different political factions, questioning her consistency and authenticity. Van Orden's campaign suggested Cooke is attempting to "portray herself as a moderate" while facing pressure from the left.
Cooke has a history of supporting LGBTQ rights in her previous campaigns for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. The Equality Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under federal civil rights law, is cited as a centerpiece of her current campaign. She has also received endorsements from progressive organizations.
Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District is considered a battleground. Donald Trump carried the district by more than seven points in 2024. Cooke narrowly lost to Van Orden by under three points in the 2024 general election. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the contest as a "toss-up."