Current Role:
U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District (2023–present)
Previous roles:
Republican nominee for U.S. House, Wisconsin’s 3rd District (2020, 2022, 2024)
Senior Chief, U.S. Navy SEAL (1988–2014)
Education:
Bachelor of Science, General Studies, Excelsior University
Background:
Born 1969, Minnesota
Raised in rural poverty by his mother
Married Sara Jane; four children, eleven grandchildren
Resides in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Career:
26-year Navy career as a SEAL, five combat deployments
Actor in films including "Act of Valor"
Owner/operator of the Butternut Café (2017–2019)
Author and public speaker
Political positions:
Republican Party
Focus on military service, economy, agriculture, veterans’ affairs, national security, and opposition to socialism
Supports Trump-aligned policies
Legislative achievements:
Serves on House Committees for Agriculture, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Veterans’ Affairs
Chair of Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Controversies:
Confronted Senate pages in Capitol rotunda (2023)
Attended January 6 "Stop the Steal" rally
Cited for loaded handgun at airport (2021)
Contentious public comments toward political opponents
Incident with LGBT-themed book display at public library
Alleged outburst during White House briefing on Gaza war
False statements regarding Minnesota legislator shootings
Derrick Van Orden is the Republican U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 3rd District, first elected in 2022 after a 26-year Navy SEAL career. Born in Minnesota in 1969, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior University and previously owned a Wisconsin café. Van Orden emphasizes veterans’ issues, agriculture, and Trump-aligned policies. He serves on multiple House committees and chairs the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. His tenure has included votes on major legislation, high-profile controversies, and outspoken criticism of political opponents. Van Orden lives in Prairie du Chien with his wife, Sara Jane, and their extended family.
