A video of Wisconsin’s outgoing U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden sparked backlash online after he refused to answer a reporter’s question about losing the election. On social media, users called the Wisconsin Republican a “sore loser” and made fun of him.
In the video, shared on X by Acyn, a reporter can be seen just outside the U.S. Capitol building trying to talk to Van Orden about the election he lost. The footage shows Van Orden saying that he’s “not interested” in the question. He then “shoos” the reporter away, gets on his motorcycle, and rides off.
Van Orden has represented Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since January 2023. However, Democrat Rebecca Cooke defeated him in the November 3 midterms, receiving approximately 52.4% of the vote to his 45.8%.
During the campaign, Van Orden was criticized for using AI-generated images of Cooke that showed her saying things the politician never said. While not illegal, the videos generated strong backlash against him.
Internet Criticizes Van Orden’s Attitude
Most people on X disliked Van Orden’s attitude toward the reporter. Several viewers accused him of acting arrogantly. One person wrote: “The arrogance is off the charts.” Another added: “Derrick Van Orden is a sore loser. It would have been epic if his stupid bike didn’t start.”
Many users also took jabs at the outgoing representative: “Be nice, it’s very difficult for him to ride a motorcycle and cry at the same time.” Others made fun of him for losing the election: “That’s what the voters told him: Shoo.”
Some folks also highlighted how they believed this was a stereotypical kind of behavior for GOP politicians. One person asked: “How do I instantly know his political affiliation?” It was a sentiment shared by others: “None of these GOP losers have any decorum or manners or decency. He looks ridiculous on that motorcycle too.”
Cooke will take over the Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District in January 2027. She previously lost the Democratic primary for the seat in 2022 before falling to Van Orden in the 2024 general election. This time, however, she defeated the two-term Republican and will be heading to Washington in his place.
