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Derrick Van Orden Claims Wisconsinites Who Oppose Data Centers Are ‘Being Paid’ By Chinese Companies

Roll Call: “[Van Orden] also said a lot of information opposing the project is ‘from the Chinese companies’ who are ‘paying people to say this stuff.’”

In new reporting from Roll Call, Derrick Van Orden claims that Americans who oppose data centers are being paid by Chinese companies. 

Roll Call reports Van Orden claimed that “Chinese companies” are “paying people to say this stuff.”

DCCC Spokesperson Katie Smith:
“Just because Derrick Van Orden can’t think for himself doesn’t mean regular Wisconsin voters have the same problem. Once again, he has zero respect for the people he represents and they’ll fire him this November.” 

Read more from Roll Call

  • Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden represents a sprawling southwestern Wisconsin district where there are plans to build a data center. He also said a lot of information opposing the project is “from the Chinese companies” who are “paying people to say this stuff.”
  • Van Orden faces a Toss-up race this fall against Democrat Rebecca Cooke, whom he defeated by 3 points in 2024.

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