Shot skeet in Menomonie on Sunday. In Wisconsin, we have a deep history of hunting and sportsmanship. The best way to protect our 2nd amendment rights is to ensure that guns are used safely and stored securely. pic.twitter.com/M8z2iqJSCM
— Rebecca Cooke (@RebeccaforWI) October 24, 2024
Rebecca Cooke, a Democrat running for Congress in Wisconsin’s Third District, has staked out a firmly progressive position on gun policy, backing sweeping reforms, including a ban on AR-15-style rifles, as she seeks to flip the seat blue against Republican Derrick Van Orden.
While that may align with the broader direction of the national Democratic Party, it marks a notable break in a district where even previous Democratic representatives have taken a more measured, moderate approach on gun rights.
“The time for thoughts and prayers are over. We need meaningful gun reform now. I know that Wisconsin has a rich heritage in hunting and gamesmanship, but we’re not talking about AR-15s at deer camp,” Cooke said during the 2022 WI-03 Democratic Primary Debate, when asked whether she supports more gun control legislation. “As somebody who is a candidate of distinction for Moms Demand Action, I support universal background checks. I support the enforcement of red flag laws that are put up when someone is having a mental health crisis or is a domestic abuser so they’re not a harm to themselves or others. I support the elimination of the Charleston Loophole.”
— Dmitri Bolt in Wisconsin Democrat Rebecca Cooke Stakes Out Hardline Gun Control in Key Wisconsin Race