First on FOX: Democrats campaigning for the New Jersey legislature have shifted their strategies to appeal to moderate voters, especially in Trump-supporting districts, and have removed several social media posts that champion progressive candidates and causes.
Rebecca Bennett, a Democrat running in the primary against Republican Sen. Thomas Keene Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, is a naval veteran and current National Guard member. Local media have labeled her as “moderate,” while the political report categorizes the district as “Lean Republican.”
An examination of Bennett’s X account, which she started in July 2011 and recently renamed from @bigredbecks to @rebeccafornj07, reveals that she has deleted posts that previously associated her with more progressive views, including praises for Senator Elizabeth Warren.
“Love her,” Bennett mentioned in a now deleted post from 2019 regarding Warren.
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Bennett also deleted a post highlighting former Vice President Kamala Harris, who suffered a narrow loss against Trump. “Let’s gooooo,” she expressed in a now deleted post when Harris was announced as Biden’s running mate in 2020.
If elected, Bennett hopes to work alongside New Jersey’s Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, whom she referred to as “the best senator.” However, that post has since been deleted.
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During the civil unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020, Bennett expressed agreement on X with former Obama campaign strategist David Pruf, suggesting that House Democrats should probe into law enforcement actions during the riots.
She also deleted a post seemingly supportive of Trump’s impeachment. “Officially @jasoncrowco6 fans,” she posted after Crow’s vote in the impeachment trial, mentioning a personal perspective: “I’m a vet who didn’t have the equipment I needed for my job.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Bennett’s team to ask why the posts were removed.
Bennett’s announcement video, just under two minutes long, does not clarify that she is a Democrat.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Maureen O’Toole from the National Republican Congressional Committee commented, “It’s evident that Rebecca Bennett is trying to distance herself from her past and hide her earlier criticisms.”
“New Jersey voters see her accurately and know who she truly is—a fundamental con artist who can’t be trusted.”
Bennett’s campaign team dismissed the NRCC’s criticisms without addressing the reasons for the post deletions. Senior advisor Dambryan stated, “We’re focused on engaging with the community.”
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“Rebecca and her team will continue to ignore these recycled, harmful attacks from right-wing media and concentrate on her record that supports working families in our district.”
It’s not the first time a New Jersey Democrat running for Congress has faced scrutiny over deleted social media content. Sue Altman experienced backlash after a loss to Keene in 2024 for removing posts critical of law enforcement.
The NJ-07 race will likely be keenly observed in the upcoming midterm elections, especially as the GOP maintains a slim majority in the House, currently holding 220 seats against 215 Democrats.
