With Wisconsin’s pivotal Supreme Court election taking place tomorrow, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to deliver a clear and urgent message: this election is about more than the state’s judicial direction—it could shape the future of the U.S. Congress and the conservative movement nationwide.
Van Orden, whose district covers much of western Wisconsin, emphasized that turnout in rural and conservative counties is lagging behind where it needs to be. He called on voters in key areas like Eau Claire, La Crosse, Grant, and Portage Counties to show up and support conservative candidate Brad Schimel—warning that a win by liberal judge Susan Crawford could mean a redrawn congressional map that costs Republicans control of the U.S. House.
“If Brad Schimel doesn’t win this race, we risk losing the Republican majority in Congress,” Van Orden warned. “That means everything from stopping the radical agenda in Washington to protecting voter ID, school choice, and fiscal sanity is at risk.”
He also highlighted Crawford’s record—pointing out her opposition to school choice, support for repealing Wisconsin’s voter ID law, and ties to groups that want to undo Act 10, the landmark labor reform that helped stabilize Wisconsin’s finances.
But Van Orden’s biggest push was cultural: conservatives must change how they approach voting. He noted that Democrats treat voting as a routine, year-round practice—while too many conservatives still wait until Election Day or sit out entirely.
“If you don’t want the government in your business, you better get in the business of government,” Van Orden said. “Vote when you can—not just when you want to.”
He encouraged early voting, absentee voting, and making use of Wisconsin’s same-day registration rules. “Even if you’re not registered, you can vote tomorrow. Just be in line by 8:00 p.m.,” he reminded listeners.
The congressman also praised grassroots efforts from groups like Turning Point USA and Americans for Prosperity, who have been on the ground for weeks knocking on doors and mobilizing voters. But he stressed that every individual has a role to play: “Text your friends. Drive them to the polls. This race is going to come down to turnout.”