Battleground Democrat flip-flops on conversion therapy after left-wing backlash

By Fox News · Fox News

A Democratic House candidate vying to flip a key Republican-held seat is on the defensive after reversing her position on conversion therapy following backlash from the party's left flank. Rebecca Cooke, a Democratic challenger vying to unseat Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., repeatedly declined to endorse a federal ban on conversion therapy during several forums held ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. But after drawing criticism from some progressive voters, Cooke reversed course, saying the federal government should prohibit the controversial practice, which often involves mental health professionals offering talk therapy for individuals struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. The issue gained renewed attention when the Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Colorado could not enforce a state-level ban on conversion therapy over free speech concerns, sparking backlash from some Democrats. FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS: DEMOCRATS LEAD IN THE HOUSE, BUT REDISTRICTING KEEPS THE GOP IN THE GAME The reversal comes as Cooke appears to be walking a political tightrope on LGBTQ issues in the Trump-friendly swing district, where she must appeal to both Democratic primary voters and the broader electorate. Before Cooke can seek a rematch against Van Orden, she must first overcome a primary challenge from former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge, who is running to her left. Asked what lawmakers could do to push back against the Supreme Court ruling at a May forum in La Crosse, Cooke sidestepped the question and said she preferred "local communities having control." "I’m in favor of that sort of local control when making policies like this," the Wisconsin Democrat said. Wisconsin’s conversion therapy ban took effect in 2022, while the city of Eau Claire, in Van Orden’s district, prohibited the practice in 2018. Meanwhile, at a June candidate forum in Platteville, Cooke said "no" when asked if the federal government should pass legislation to ban conv…