Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: A Democratic congressional candidate in New Jersey is making waves as she attempts to position herself as a moderate in a predominantly pro-Trump district. Rebecca Bennett, who is vying to unseat Republican incumbent Thomas Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has deleted numerous social media posts that once showcased her support for progressive candidates and causes.
Rebecca Bennett, a Navy veteran and a current member of the Air Force National Guard, is described by local media as a so-called ‘moderate’ in a campaign the Cook Political Report identifies as leaning towards the Republican side. As a candidate, Bennett’s strategy seems focused on appealing to centrist voters by distancing herself from her earlier progressive endorsements.
A thorough inspection of Bennett’s X account reveals a pattern of post removals that diverge from her current moderate narrative. Having created her account in July 2011, she changed the handle from @BigRedBecks to @RebeccaForNJ07. This review has shed light on several now-deleted posts in which she expressed admiration for prominent progressive figures, including Senator Elizabeth Warren.
In a now-vanished post from 2019, Bennett declared, “Love her,” in reference to Warren. This sentiment reflects the kind of progressive leanings that Bennett now appears eager to reject as she case for centrist appeal.
Praising Progressive Icons
Bennett’s deletion of supportive posts does not stop with Warren. She has also scrubbed posts applauding former Vice President Kamala Harris. In a particularly notable instance, Bennett expressed excitement with a now-removed post after Harris was selected as Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020, stating, “Let’s Goooooo.” This enthusiasm underscores her previous alignment with more liberal ideals.
If elected, Bennett would sit alongside Democratic Senator Cory Booker, someone she previously described in glowing terms as the “best senator.” However, that post has also disappeared from her account.
Response to Civil Unrest
Amid the civil unrest that occurred following George Floyd’s death in 2020, Bennett shared her agreement with a post by former Obama strategist David Plouffe, advocating for House Democrats to hold hearings regarding law enforcement’s response to the protests. This post, too, has since been erased, indicating a shift in her public image amidst the evolving political landscape.
Additionally, Bennett previously expressed her support for the first impeachment of Donald Trump in January 2020. In a deleted tweet, she declared herself a fan of Congressman Jason Crow, who voted for impeachment, citing her veteran status as part of her motivation. This record poses a stark contrast to the moderate approach she is currently adopting.
The Spotlight on Deleted Posts
Fox News Digital reached out to Bennett’s team for insight into her decision to remove these posts, but did not receive a detailed response. In her announcement video, which lasts nearly two minutes, there is a noticeable absence of any mention of her Democratic affiliation, a strategic decision likely aimed at attracting a broader base of voters.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has taken notice of Bennett’s adjustments, with spokesperson Maureen O’Toole asserting that her actions indicate a desperate attempt to distance herself from a past that includes a radical agenda. O’Toole stated, “It’s clear Rebecca Bennett is desperately trying to run away from her past and cover up her radical, out of touch agenda.”
O’Toole concluded her remarks by suggesting that voters in New Jersey will clearly see through Bennett’s efforts to reshape her image, branding her as a “radical scam artist” who cannot be trusted.
Bennett’s Defense Against Criticism
In response to the NRCC’s critique, Bennett’s campaign dismissed the criticism as predictable and politically motivated. Senior advisor Dan Bryan asserted that Conservative publications fear her potential threat to Congressman Kean’s hold on the seat. “Rebecca and her campaign will continue to ignore recycled bad faith attacks from right-wing outlets and focus on her record serving this country and Congressman Kean’s failure to deliver for working families in our district,” he remarked.
Bennett’s campaign stance, however, is not an isolated incident among Democratic candidates in New Jersey. In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Sue Altman, who faced off against Kean, previously faced significant backlash for her own deleted posts critical of law enforcement.
Importance of NJ-07 in Upcoming Elections
The race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is expected to garner considerable attention in the upcoming midterm elections, especially given the narrow majority the Republicans currently hold in the House of Representatives. The GOP maintains a precarious lead with 220 seats compared to the Democrats’ 215, making each contest vital to both parties.
As Rebecca Bennett seeks to redefine her political identity and appeal to moderates, her campaign will undoubtedly continue to navigate challenges related to her previously vocal support for progressive policies. The decisions she makes in the weeks leading up to the election will significantly impact her standing among voters and may well determine the outcome in this pivotal congressional race.
