Derrick Van Orden

Derrick Van Orden is an American politician and retired United States Navy SEAL, currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he began his first term in the House of Representatives in 2023. Van Orden has a diverse background that includes military service, acting, and entrepreneurship, which he has leveraged in his political career.

Early life and career

Derrick Francis Van Orden was born on September 15, 1969, in Minnesota. He pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior University. Following his academic pursuits, Van Orden dedicated 26 years to military service in the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of Senior Chief before retiring in 2014. His extensive military background has played a significant role in shaping his public persona and political platform.

After his retirement from the Navy, Van Orden transitioned into the entertainment industry, taking on acting roles that included portraying Senior Chief Otto Miller in the 2012 film "Act of Valor." He also appeared in other films, such as "Surviving the Wild" in 2018 and "Running with the Devil" in 2019. In addition to his acting career, he and his wife operated the Butternut Café in the Village of Butternut, Wisconsin, from 2017 until early 2019, further diversifying his professional experiences.

Van Orden's political involvement began to gain attention in the wake of significant national events. He was present at the January 6, 2021, rally in Washington, D.C., which preceded the Capitol attack. His actions during this period have been noted in discussions about his political motivations and public image. Additionally, in June 2021, he confronted a library staff member over a display of books with LGBT themes, expressing concerns about the influence of such materials on young people. This incident highlighted his engagement with local cultural issues and his stance on social matters.

House tenure

Derrick Van Orden's political career took a significant step forward when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. In the 2020 elections, he was the Republican nominee for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district but lost to incumbent Democrat Ron Kind by a narrow margin. During this campaign, he received the endorsement of then-President Donald Trump, which underscored his alignment with the party's leadership.

In 2022, Van Orden ran again for the same congressional seat after Kind announced he would not seek re-election. His campaign focused on themes of military service and economic issues, resonating with voters in the district. Once again, he secured the endorsement of Donald Trump, which played a crucial role in his campaign strategy. Van Orden successfully defeated Democratic state senator Brad Pfaff in the general election, marking the beginning of his tenure in the House.

Following his election, Van Orden was re-elected to a second term in 2024, continuing to represent Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district. His electoral success reflects his ability to connect with constituents and navigate the political landscape within his district.

Legislative focus and committees

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Derrick Van Orden serves on several key committees that align with his interests and expertise. He is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Within these committees, he has taken on leadership roles, including serving as the Chairman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee under the Veterans' Affairs Committee. His committee assignments reflect a commitment to issues related to agriculture, national defense, and veteran affairs, which are significant to his constituents and his personal background.

Van Orden's legislative actions have attracted attention, particularly his vocal participation in various congressional proceedings. For instance, he has been involved in controversial moments, such as an outburst during a White House briefing related to the Gaza war and a disruptive incident during President Biden's 2024 State of the Union address, where he shouted in response to the President's remarks. These actions have sparked discussions about decorum and behavior among members of Congress.

In addition to his committee work, Van Orden has been active in filing resolutions, including one to impeach a U.S. District Judge, which garnered media attention and highlighted his alignment with certain political factions within the Republican Party. His engagement with current events and willingness to take a stand on contentious issues reflects a broader trend among some members of Congress to adopt more confrontational approaches.

Van Orden is also a member of several caucuses, including the Congressional Border Security Caucus and the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, among others. These affiliations indicate his interest in a range of policy areas, from education to border security, and demonstrate his efforts to collaborate with colleagues on bipartisan initiatives.

In summary, Derrick Van Orden's career as a U.S. Representative is characterized by a blend of military experience, public service, and active engagement in legislative matters. His tenure reflects a commitment to the constituents of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district and an ongoing involvement in national political discourse. As he continues his service, Van Orden's actions and decisions will likely shape his legacy and influence within the House of Representatives.