Emily Berge

Emily Berge (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on August 11, 2026.^[source]

Berge completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Emily Berge was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She graduated from Mayo High School. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Berge's career experience includes working as a professional mental health counselor and as a small business owner. She has served as a member with the Eau Claire City Council.^[1]^[2]

Elections

2026

General election

The primary will occur on August 11, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Rustin Provance and Jayte Welch are running in the general election for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Rustin Provance (Independent)
	Submit photo	Jayte Welch (Independent)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Emily Berge, Rebecca Cooke, and Rodney Rave are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3 on August 11, 2026.

		Candidate
		Emily Berge
		Rebecca Cooke
	Submit photo	Rodney Rave

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Laura Benjamin (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Incumbent Derrick Van Orden is running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3 on August 11, 2026.

		Candidate
		Derrick Van Orden

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Berge received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

State Sen. Jeff Smith (D)

2020

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68

Incumbent Jesse James defeated Emily Berge in the general election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jesse James (R)	60.9	18,993
	Emily Berge (D)	39.0	12,162
	Other/Write-in votes	0.0	7

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 31,162
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Wm Bogdonovich (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68

Emily Berge advanced from the Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68 on August 11, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Emily Berge	99.9	3,644
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	3

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,647
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68

Incumbent Jesse James advanced from the Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68 on August 11, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jesse James	100.0	4,264
	Other/Write-in votes	0.0	1

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,265
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

To view Berge's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2026

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released April 16, 2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Emily Berge completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Berge's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Emily Berge was elected to the Eau Claire City Council in 2018 and elected as City Council President in 2023. A mental health counselor, small business owner, and mom, she understands the challenges facing our communities. Her experience, including her past role as president of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, equips her to address critical issues like housing, healthcare, and water quality. Emily is running to represent Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District, bringing both her professional experience and a leadership style grounded in stability and empathy.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Emily leads with empathy and stability working to solve real problems for people. We need leaders who won't get swept up in the chaos but will lead with discipline and empathy. Emily's experiences of leading during difficult times, including navigating threats and protests during the pandemic and the arrival of refugees, have honed her ability to handle adversity with grace and steadiness.
Emily has seen first hand the impacts of lack of affordable housing, inaccessible healthcare, including mental healthcare, and toxins in our water over her years serving the residents of Eau Claire and advocating for communities of all sizes throughout Wisconsin. The people of Western and Central Wisconsin deserve better. Emily believes that everyone who wants a home should have a home, that your zip code or bank account shouldn't determine one's ability to receive healthcare, and our land, air, and water must be protected, not only for today, but for future generations.
Emily believes civil rights are the foundation of a just and healthy democracy. Every person, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or ability, deserves equal protection under the law and full access to opportunity. From voting rights to LGBTQ+ protections, reproductive freedom to disability access, Emily will fight to ensure that no one is left behind or treated as less than. She knows that civil rights are not negotiable—and she will stand up to those who seek to divide, discriminate, or roll back the progress generations have fought to achieve.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Emily believes that everyone, no matter their income level, should have access to healthcare and housing. She is also passionate about protecting and expanding civil rights for all regardless of their background, sexual orientation, gender, race, or ethnicity. Emily will work for economic fairness and make sure billionaires and corporations pay their fair share, working people earn fair and livable wages, and big money out of politics.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a current officeholder, I have several qualities that make me successful in serving my constituents. I serve with empathy and stability. I listen to understand not to respond which also serves me well as a mental health counselor. I stick to my values but am also open minded and value learning about different perspectives. I am not afraid of conflict and I believe it is ok to disagree. I have learned a lot from people with differing opinions. I always strive to be respectful but can be firm when needed. I am always caring for people and this is what motivates me to serve my community.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When I was in Kindergarten, I remember when the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded. My Kindergarten teacher sat us all down in a circle on the rug in front of her chair, and she told us how a space shuttle exploded and how there was a teacher on board. I remember her being very sad but calm and explained this horrific thing in a way that made sense to 5 and 6 year olds.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I started babysitting around age 12 and continued babysitting or nannying (with other jobs) until I had my first professional job post college. Even though the pay was never good (a few bucks an hour when I first started and never making over minimum wage), I have always loved caring for children. It is why I choose my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies and why I decided to go in counseling. Now as I work to create policies to better my community, I always remember what is best for the young ones because they are often the most vulnerable. And I really do believe it does take a village to raise a child.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives holds a unique position within our governmental structure, notably serving as a crucial component of the checks and balances designed to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. Furthermore, the system of Congressional Districts ensures representation for the diverse and often distinct communities within each state. As someone familiar with Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, I understand how the specific needs and character of one area can differ from others within the same state. Having a representative dedicated to understanding and advocating for these unique local needs is vital to ensuring that all voices are accurately heard at the federal level. The relatively short terms and direct election of representatives also contribute to its unique character, fostering a closer connection between the representatives and their constituents.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

While I acknowledge my bias as a current elected official with 8 years experience, I firmly believe that prior government or political experience is highly beneficial for those seeking to serve in Congress. The ability to navigate the complexities of passing legislation, overseeing budgets, and effectively engaging with constituents is invaluable. This role demands the capacity to make difficult decisions under intense public scrutiny and provide comfort and stability during challenging times. Elected officials often become the focal point for community frustrations, whether stemming from local or global events. My own experiences, including navigating threats and protests during the pandemic and the arrival of refugees, have honed my ability to handle adversity with grace, empathy, and stability. This accumulated experience is not only vital for effective representation but also a key differentiator in this primary race.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Over the next decade, our nation faces significant challenges, starting with a growing affordability crisis encompassing housing, healthcare, and food, alongside persistent workforce shortages. Protecting our land, water, and air is also paramount for our future. We must also be vigilant in safeguarding human rights, civil rights, and abortion access, ensuring no one faces discrimination based on their background, appearance, whom they love, or where they come from. These challenges are interconnected and require comprehensive solutions. Fundamentally, addressing these issues requires getting money out of politics, as its influence exacerbates each of these challenges.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe there are valid arguments for considering a longer term length for representatives. A longer term could allow representatives to dedicate more focus to the complex work of solving problems rather than being in a perpetual cycle of campaigning for the next election. This could lead to more thoughtful and potentially more effective policymaking.

However, the current two-year term also has its advantages. It ensures that representatives remain closely accountable to the will of the people and allows for more frequent opportunities for constituents to voice their approval or disapproval of their representative's performance. A shorter term can also make representatives more responsive to the immediate needs and concerns of their districts.

Ultimately, there are trade-offs to consider between the benefits of stability and focused work that a longer term might offer, and the enhanced accountability and responsiveness that comes with a shorter term.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

As a current elected official, I believe term limits could be a positive step towards ensuring politicians prioritize serving their constituents over constant fundraising for reelection. Furthermore, term limits could help guarantee that those in office are truly fit to serve. I would support term limits if the term was long enough to allow members of Congress to gain the necessary experience to be effective representatives, as I've personally found that experience and learning from seasoned colleagues is invaluable. While there's a path to implementing term limits that balances fresh perspectives with governmental stability, I also believe that issues like gerrymandering and the influence of money in politics pose significant threats that warrant immediate attention, potentially even more so than the absence of term limits.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As I've traveled throughout the district, the stories shared by young people have been particularly touching and impactful. What strikes me is that these narratives often aren't highlighted in mainstream media. I've spoken with many young individuals who have, with a sense of resignation, given up on the traditional American dream of homeownership, not seeing a realistic path to ever affording their own place. There's also a pervasive insecurity regarding employment, with concerns about companies being hesitant to hire new graduates amidst an unpredictable economy. I've heard from young people dedicating themselves to public service through programs like AmeriCorps to manage student loan debt, and others who faced the sudden elimination of their federal agency positions without warning. These early adulthood years are so formative, laying the groundwork for the rest of one's life, and it's disheartening to hear how current circumstances are creating roadblocks to opportunity, financial security, and simply the ability for young people to build fulfilling lives.

Tell us your favorite joke.

How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one...but the light bulb has to want to change.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, I do believe that compromise is generally desirable for policymaking, a principle I've observed in my own experience as an elected official. Often, achieving the necessary votes to move forward requires finding common ground and meeting in the middle to bring everyone to the table and pass legislation. However, there are certain fundamental issues, such as human rights and civil liberties, where compromise should not be an option. While I recognize the need for pragmatism in policymaking, I will always remain true to my values in every vote and policy decision I make.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The House's constitutional authority to originate revenue bills would be a fundamental tool in pursuing my core priorities. I would utilize this power to craft legislation that generates the necessary funding for expanding access to affordable healthcare and mental healthcare services, ensuring these essential programs are adequately supported. Addressing the housing crisis would also be a key focus, with revenue bills funding affordable housing initiatives and community development projects. Furthermore, I would champion a more equitable tax system, ensuring billionaires and large corporations pay their fair share, closing tax loopholes, and implementing policies that reduce income inequality. This approach would not only generate the resources needed to support working families and address economic disparities but also hold the wealthiest Americans accountable, ensuring a fairer tax code for all.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to uphold the rule of law and protect our democracy from abuse, no matter who holds power. When the executive branch begins to act more like a dictatorship, governing by unchecked executive orders, ignoring court rulings, or allowing unelected individuals to gut essential programs without oversight, Congress has a duty to act. That includes investigating credible allegations of corruption, such as bribes or gifts from domestic or foreign entities, and holding accountable those who enable or turn a blind eye to these actions. The House must ensure that no branch, and no individual, is above the law. Oversight should never be used for political theater, but when used responsibly, it’s one of our most critical tools for protecting the integrity of our institutions and the interests of the American people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

State Senator Jeff Smith, Former State Assembly Representative Dana Wachs; Eau Claire County Chair Nancy Coffey; Eau Claire Area School Board President, Tim Nordin; Eau Claire City Council Vice President Andrew Werthmann, Eau Claire City Council Member Emily Anderson, Eau Claire City Council Member Larry Mboga, Eau Claire City Council Member Jessica Schoen, Eau Claire City Council Member Josh Miller, Eau Claire City Council Member Charlie Johnson, Eau Claire City Council Member Aaron Brewster, Eau Claire City Council Member Nate Otto, Former Eau Claire City Council President Terry Weld, Former Candidate for the 3rd Cd and Veteran Deb McGrath, Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Executive Director, True Vue,

What committees interest you?

Given my experience in local government and mental health care, I would be especially interested in serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee, particularly its Health Subcommittee, to address the urgent need for expanded mental health care access, especially in underserved and rural communities.

I'm also drawn to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where I could advocate for smart, equitable investments in roads, public transit, and broadband—investments that benefit both urban centers and rural communities.
In addition, the Financial Services Committee, particularly its Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, would allow me to focus on affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and policies for working families.

Lastly, the Education and the Workforce Committee would provide an avenue to support children and families through early childhood education, workforce development, and family services.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Emily Berge completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Berge's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for State Assembly as a mental health professional, business owner, community leader, and parent. At my core, I am an independent thinker, solution focused, and an authentic leader. I am someone who brings people together and gets things done. You can count on me to bring these qualities when representing the people in the heart of Wisconsin.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Every Wisconsinite, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin, or economic status deserves to live in a healthy community. That's why we must stand up and speak out for each other and start investing in affordable/accessible healthcare, public education, rural internet access, and more.
Rural Wisconsin has suffered long enough with the effects of corporate farming. We must bring more support and resources to our family farms. We must protect our well water by creating regulations on CAFO run-offs.
A vote for Emily is a vote for true representation. The people of the 68th district deserve a leader who will listen, collaborate, and lead regarding issues that are facing them, not corporate interests or the greedy few in Madison. It's time to bring back a focus on rural Wisconsin and not just fall in line with the party.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable and accessible healthcare - including mental health care.

Clean air and water.

Fair Maps.

Investing in our communities.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a listener. I believe that the best way to find solutions is to listen to those directly affected by the situation.

I am also a problem-solver. I am not only there to be an ear, but I also believe in finding solutions that work for everyone and to solve the problem or stop if from reoccurring in the future.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy that woman are here to work. We get things done. I want to be known as the representative that truly worked on behalf of her constituents, not corporate lobbyists or partisan politics.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I believe that Wisconsin deserves fair maps. We must favor nonpartisan redistricting in 2022, similar to Iowa.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Emily Berge campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Wisconsin District 3	Candidacy Declared primary	$388,856	$319,047
2020	Wisconsin State Assembly District 68	Lost general	$52,411	N/A**
Grand total			$441,267	$319,047
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Election Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 28, 2020
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 26, 2025

[show]

Wisconsin's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tammy Baldwin (D)

Ronald Johnson (R)

Representatives

District 1

Bryan Steil (R)

District 2

Mark Pocan (D)

District 3

Derrick Van Orden (R)

District 4

Gwen Moore (D)

District 5

Scott Fitzgerald (R)

District 6

Glenn Grothman (R)

District 7

Tom Tiffany (R)

District 8

Tony Wied (R)

Republican Party (7)

Democratic Party (3)

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 28, 2020

[2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 26, 2025

[1]

[2]

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Emily Berge

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 3

Endorsements

2020

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 68

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Video for Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia survey responses

2020

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

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