Berge For Congress 

2206 Highland Ave #115 

Eau Claire, WI 54701 

715-575-9795 

bergeforcongress.com 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 15, 2025 

Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge Announces Run for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd District 

Eau Claire, WI — Emily Berge, a mental health counselor, small business owner, and current City Council President of Eau Claire, officially announced today that she is running for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. 

“I’m running because our communities deserve better,” Emily said. “The gap between what our communities need and what we're getting from our current representation has never been wider. It’s time for leadership that listens, shows up, and delivers.” 

With over 20 years of experience as a licensed mental health counselor and nearly a decade in public service, Emily brings a unique mix of compassion, toughness, and real-world problem-solving to the race. First elected to the Eau Claire City Council in 2018 and now serving as Council President, Emily has led the city through critical moments — including the COVID-19 pandemic, a local health care crisis, and fierce public debates over community inclusion and housing. 

“Throughout my time in public service, I’ve stood up for my neighbors — even when it meant facing threats, disinformation, and intimidation,” said Emily. “This campaign is about bringing people together to solve real problems. That means fighting for affordable housing, access to health care, clean water, and getting big money out of politics.” 

Emily is emphasizing what she calls “Big Tent Energy” — a campaign that welcomes all people regardless of political background, income, or origin. “No matter where you are from — you belong here,” she said. “This movement is about all of us.”

“Now more than ever, we need steady, experienced leadership that brings communities together instead of tearing them apart,” said Emily. “I’m ready to be a bridge between Western and Central Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. — and that bridge goes both ways.” 

Berge enters the race with strong endorsements from respected Wisconsin leaders including State Senator Jeff Smith, Attorney and former Assemblyman Dana Wachs, ECASD Board President Tim Nordin, and Eau Claire County Board Chair, Nancy Coffey. 

“Emily Berge is my idea of a leader who never wavers from her values. Emily has qualities I admire. She cares for the most vulnerable around us while having real governing experience and an understanding of how policy decisions affect all of us. Most of all, Emily Berge has a skill that most of us have to work extremely hard at and that is listening. Really listening to understand where people she represents are coming from. Experience, maturity, progressive values and the power of listening make her the person I want representing me in Congress. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy for the 3RD Congressional District seat.” 

— Jeff Smith, WI State Senator, District 31 

"Emily Berge is already out advocating for the people of Wisconsin, and she hasn’t yet been elected to Congress. Her leadership goes beyond just her role as City Council President in Eau Claire. As President of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, she’s been a tireless advocate for Wisconsin communities, taking our concerns directly to Madison and Washington. She understands the real-world impact of policy, and she’s earned the respect of leaders across the aisle and around the state because she delivers results.. That’s why I’m proud to support her for Congress.” 

—Nancy Coffey, Eau Claire County Board Chair 

Emily Berge shows up, especially when it’s hard. When some tried to push hateful, divisive rhetoric that suggested not everyone belonged in Eau Claire, Emily Berge stood firm. She stands for a Wisconsin where each child has what they need to learn, grow and thrive. I trust her to represent our district in Congress with the same courage and strength she’s shown here at home. 

—Tim Nordin, Eau Claire Area School District Board President

"Emily Berge has demonstrated strong leadership as President of the Eau Claire City Council and as a statewide leader among Wisconsin municipalities. She’s the voice we need in Congress." 

— Dana Wachs, Attorney and Former State Assemblyman 

To learn more about Emily’s campaign or to get involved, visit: bergeforcongress.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/bergeforcongress/ 

Instagram: instagram.com/bergeforcongress/ 

Press inquiries: Ann Francis | contact@bergeforcongress.com | 715-575-9795 | 

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