January 1, Trans Democrat Drops Out After Kirk Attacks

Wyatt’s Take

• Laura Benjamin, a Democrat running for Congress in Wisconsin, quit the race after targeting slain conservative Charlie Kirk in ads.
• Benjamin’s campaign struggled with fundraising and faced backlash for harsh remarks about Kirk after his assassination.
• Another Democrat with more backing is now favored to challenge Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden.

Democratic candidate Laura Benjamin dropped out of the House race for Wisconsin’s swing district after attacking murdered Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in digital ads. Benjamin, a transgender former council member, cited poor fundraising as the reason for ending the campaign.

“Running a congressional campaign across a district as large as WI-03 takes significant financial resources,” Benjamin admitted. “Despite the incredible support we’ve received, the path to victory simply isn’t there without the level of fundraising required to reach voters.”

The campaign criticized Kirk’s “hateful rhetoric” and attacked Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who called out Benjamin’s comments about Kirk right after his death. In Facebook ads, Benjamin wrote, “What kind of person blames me for violence just because I condemned Charlie Kirk’s hateful rhetoric? Derrick Van Orden, of course.”

One ad showed Kirk hosting his show, with Benjamin’s comments posted online just hours after Kirk was killed. On Sept. 10, Benjamin stated on social media, “Charlie Kirk was hateful toward the lgbtq community and called for the eradication of trans care. Not that this justifies the pain his family will endure or the random violent taking of his life. But it’s clear there is a cycle of hate growing.”

Benjamin later added, “And it’s not going to stop with more hate.”

Benjamin’s campaign funds had fallen below $10,000, according to financial filings. The campaign also drew criticism for using Kirk’s death for fundraising, stirring anger among conservatives.

Nearly 60 House Democrats opposed a resolution to honor Kirk, with many others refusing to vote. Meanwhile, Rebecca Cooke, who has support from major left-wing groups, is seen as the lead Democratic challenger for the seat. The upcoming race is rated a toss-up due to the area’s rural makeup and tight political split.

Source

Wyatt Matters

Folks in the heartland want respect and basic decency from political leaders. Using a tragedy for headlines or dollars doesn’t sit right with everyday Americans who put family and community first.