In a bold move far from his Wisconsin district, U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden took center stage at President Donald Trump’s Dallas convention, touting healthcare policies that he claims are a boon for rural areas. With nearly 900 miles separating him from his constituents, Van Orden positioned himself as a defender of healthcare reforms in front of a supportive crowd.

Representing Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, Van Orden faces a fierce campaign against Democrat Rebecca Cooke. Her bid to flip the seat has garnered attention as Democrats aim to regain control of the House. The stakes are high, and Van Orden’s remarks come at a time when Republican approval ratings are sinking.

Throughout his two terms in office, Van Orden has been a staunch ally of Trump. Known for his abrasive style, he has sparked controversy with his interactions, prompting criticism from constituents. However, he took a different tone on Wednesday, attempting to present a more compassionate image amid dwindling party support.

“Whether you live in a city or a village, like my beautiful wife Sarah Jane and I do, you deserve high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare,” Van Orden declared. He emphasized Trump’s commitment to healthcare as a cornerstone of his leadership.

In the past year, Van Orden supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Trump signed into law. During his speech, he asserted that the bill significantly boosted funding for rural hospitals in Wisconsin.

“This investment wouldn’t have happened without President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut Act,” he claimed, chastising Democrats for their unanimous opposition to the bill. Van Orden argued that the law would create millions of dollars in funding, criticizing the Democrats for portraying the tax cuts negatively.

Critics argue that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes substantial cuts to Medicaid, which will cost Wisconsin an estimated $7 billion in federal healthcare funding over the next decade. An analysis by KFF highlighted the potential consequences for the state’s healthcare system, raising alarms about the future of rural hospitals.

In his address, Van Orden touted the allocation of over $200 million to Wisconsin hospitals due to the new law, though this figure is overshadowed by significant losses expected from the Medicaid cuts.

“I worked with President Trump and Republicans in Congress to improve our Medicaid assessments, bringing billions back to Wisconsin’s Badger Care program,” said Van Orden. He portrayed the changes as vital for healthcare providers in remote areas, enabling them to focus on patient care instead of financial struggles.

Conversely, an analysis from the centrist think tank Third Way predicted that hospitals in Van Orden’s district would face an annual revenue loss exceeding $42 million following the Medicaid cuts.

Van Orden has previously clashed with constituents over the impact of these healthcare reforms and has denied any cuts to Medicaid, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Reacting to his absence from the district for the event, Cooke’s campaign highlighted that Van Orden has not held a town hall meeting since taking office. “Derrick Van Orden still hasn’t done a single town hall in West Central Wisconsin. His lavish trip to Texas can’t mask his record: he’s watched rural hospitals close,” her statement asserted.

Cooke criticized Van Orden for supporting the healthcare cuts instead of addressing the urgent needs of his constituents. “Folks see their healthcare costs rising while their doctors leave town. That’s the reality of his decisions,” she said.

Attendees at the convention were hit with steep fees as Republican members of Congress paid up to $100,000 for a spot in the hotel block and access to exclusive events. This financial barrier drew ire from critics.

A spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin admonished Van Orden for prioritizing the convention over local needs. “While he’s in Texas trying to save his campaign, Wisconsin Democrats are meeting with voters and addressing the affordability crisis sparked by policies like his,” the spokesperson said.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin boasted about other attendees, but Van Orden was the sole Wisconsin Republican featured on the convention’s speaker list, highlighting his prominent role in the party.

As the midterm elections approach, Van Orden’s actions will be scrutinized intensely. The attention drawn to his Dallas appearance raises questions about his commitment to local constituents and the implications of his policy positions.

With the political landscape shifting, the outcome of this contentious race may hinge on how well Van Orden can convey his message of healthcare support to voters back home who are feeling the pinch of rising costs and potential service cuts.