Rodney Rave, a lifelong western Wisconsin resident, union operating engineer, and former Ho-Chunk Nation legislator, has announced that he will run for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, representing the western part of the state. He will look to unseat incumbent Derrick Van Orden.
“I’m not a career politician, I’m a builder,” Rave said in a press release. “I grew up in an old shack with a dirt floor and spent 31 years in highway construction. I’ve seen what families, veterans, and farmers are up against. The rules feel rigged and the costs keep climbing. I’m running to fix what’s broken so government finally works for the people again.”
In his announcement release, Rave said his candidacy will focus on affordability with accountability, fair treatment for rural and Tribal communities, and a focus on practical solutions over partisan theater.
“Western Wisconsin deserves a representative who knows what it means to punch a clock, raise a family, and serve the community,” said Rave, a member of the Bear Clan of the Ho-Chunk Nation. “We’re going to build a coalition that brings people together, rural and small-town neighbors, union families, Tribal communities, independents and Democrats alike, to deliver real results.”
