Shankland, Pocan canvass in La Crosse, as part of weekend of area campaigning for Congress

Voters in the La Crosse area could see lots of political activity in the next two weeks, with a Congressional primary happening on Aug. 13.

State Rep. Katrina Shankland, one of the three Democrats running for the 3rd District seat in Congress, met with supporters in La Crosse for canvassing this weekend. They gathered Saturday for an afternoon rally at Bluffview Park in La Crosse.

Shankland says the decision by President Biden not to seek re-election has added some enthusiasm to the House race. “The turnout for our events all week has been tremendous, and people are abuzz,” said Shankland. “They want to talk about how we have an amazing opportunity to not only elect a Congresswoman for the first time ever” for the 3rd District, but also “at the top of the ticket with Kamala Harris, people are really excited about that opportunity.”

Vice President Harris became the favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination last week, when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

Shankland faces Rebecca Cooke and Eric Wilson in the House primary, which will decide the Democratic challenger against incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden. The Shankland campaign has criticized Cooke for lacking experience in elected office, and allegedly for not being truthful about how long she has been active in politics.

Also participating in the La Crosse event was Madison area Congressman Mark Pocan, who says the change at the top of the Democratic ticket “has really brought new energy” to the party.

About 20 people attended the park rally, hearing from Shankland and Pocan as well as others, such as local WEAC teachers’ representative John Havelicek.

Before the election of Van Orden, Democrat Ron Kind had held the 3rd District seat for 26 years and retired in 2022.