Homegrown - Nov. 26, 2021

REPORTER 1: A new candidate has entered the race for Wisconsin's third congressional district. It’s Democratic business owner and non-profit leader Rebecca Cooke.

REPORTER 2: Eau Claire businesswoman and Democrat Rebecca Cooke announcing her candidacy for Wisconsin's third congressional district seat.

REPORTER 3: Eau Claire businesswoman Rebecca Cooke is running in the 3rd congressional district which includes La Crosse and Eau Claire. Cooke would be the first woman to represent the southwestern Wisconsin district.

COOKE: I grew up on this farm. My background, as you heard from folks before, is really rooted in agriculture, but I went on to work in politics in my early 20s and to launch my own small business in the heart of Eau Claire. I founded a non-profit that supports and empowers other women throughout our region. I announced my run for Congress

One thing we don't need in Washington is more career politicians. We need members who look like America, who live in rural areas for farmers and small business owners.

REPORTER 4: Cooke says her experiences set her apart.

COOKE: What sets me apart is that I have had a lot of those real lived experiences. I've seen policy fail, I've seen Washington fail us, and I want to be a part of creating that change. Bring some stability back to our region.

And I would take what I learned growing up on a farm: that when things are tough, you don't give up. And, you know, show up and listen and that's what I intend to do in Congress.