A Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives who attempted to fundraise off of anti-Charlie Kirk messaging just ended her campaign. 

The Daily Caller reports that Laura Benjamin announced the suspension of her campaign on Friday.

The outlet describes Benjamin as "a transgender former city council member [who was] running to unseat three-term Republican Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden."

BREAKING: "Democratic candidate Laura Benjamin dropped out of a swing seat House race just days after blasting assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in campaign advertising.

Benjamin, a transgender former city council member running to unseat three-term Republican… pic.twitter.com/zKELemHIcV

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) September 26, 2025

Background

As mentioned, the suspension of the campaign comes after Benjamin attempted to fundraise essentially off of the recent assassination of Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk.

The Daily Caller reports:

Benjamin’s decision to exit the race came just two day after the campaign began including criticism of Kirk in digital ads on Facebook. The digital fundraising appeals blasted Van Orden for criticizing the transgender Democrat’s comments on Kirk shortly after his assassination.

The outlet goes on to report the message that Benjamin posted to the internet shortly after Kirk's assassination.

Benjamin wrote:

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. And it’s not going to stop with more hate

Benjamin followed this up with campaign fundraising drives with such messaging as this: "What kind of person blames me for violence just because I condemned Charlie Kirk’s hateful rhetoric? Derrick Van Orden, of course."

It's over

Benjamin released a lengthy statement on the decision to suspend the campaign.

Benjamin is quoted as saying:

Running a congressional campaign across a district as large as WI-03 takes significant financial resources. Despite the incredible support we’ve received, the path to victory simply isn’t there without the level of fundraising required to reach voters. Rather than run a campaign without a viable path forward, I’ve made the difficult decision to suspend efforts at this time.

Benjamin, though, also made it clear that she is not giving up politics.

Benjamin said:

The fight for Medicare for All, living wages, and guaranteed human rights does not stop here. I’m committed to being part of that effort moving forward, whether through grassroots advocacy, coalition work, or whatever comes next.

"While this campaign is ending, the greater movement for justice and equality is only just beginning," Benjamin claimed.