Wisconsin Congressional Candidate's Financial Disclosure Reveals Payments from Organizations Linked to George Soros

<p>Rebecca Cooke, a waitress running for Congress in Wisconsin's third district, was employed by two organizations associated with George Soros' Open Society Foundation. Cooke has presented herself as a working-class outsider, highlighting her background as a waitress, small-business owner, and nonprofit leader. A personal financial disclosure released two days after Wisconsin’s August 13 primary indicates she received over $5,000 from both Third Way and the Pipeline Fund, organizations connected to Soros' network.</p><p>Between 2023 and 2024, the Open Society network provided $1 million to Third Way’s nonprofit research arm, while the Pipeline Fund received $1.4 million from the Open Society Action Fund in 2024. Soros has contributed over $32 billion to the Open Society Foundation, which has been managed by his son, Alex Soros, since 2022.</p><p>The financial disclosure forms indicate that Cooke received more than $5,000 from each organization, but do not specify the exact amounts. The disclosure covers the period from January 1, 2025, to July 14, 2026. A spokesperson for Third Way confirmed that Cooke received $30,000 for a project aimed at amplifying the voices of working-class Americans.</p><p>The Foundation to Promote Open Society, part of Soros’ network, granted $500,000 to the Third Way Institute in both 2023 and 2024. The Third Way Institute, which serves as the research arm of Third Way, transferred $21.9 million to Third Way in 2024, representing approximately 98% of its total spending that year.</p><p>The Pipeline Fund focuses on training and supporting progressive candidates in state and local elections. It became independent in 2024 after separating from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which has also received significant funding from Soros' network. Tax records show that the Pipeline Fund received $1.4 million from the Open Society Action Fund and about $2.26 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund in 2024.</p><p>Pipeline Fund has a network of campaign consulting groups, including Wisconsin Progress. The organization confirmed that Cooke worked as a contractor in 2025 to support their mission of promoting a reflective democracy.</p><p>Before her congressional bid, Cooke established a Democratic campaign consulting firm in 2015, working with various state and federal campaigns until 2021. National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Zach Bannon criticized Cooke, stating that she is aligned with far-left liberals and is unfit to represent western Wisconsin.</p><p>Cooke’s financial disclosure was delayed until two days after the primary due to an extension she requested. All candidates spending or raising over $5,000 for a House race must submit a financial disclosure form 30 days prior to the election. Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden criticized Cooke's delay, suggesting it reflects poorly on her character.</p><p>In response, Cooke stated that her financial forms demonstrate her working-class background and her efforts to support other working-class individuals in running for office.</p>