Benjamin Schauer Issues Weighty Response Against ‘Intense Wave’ Of Online Backlash

Iowa House candidate Benjamin Schauer punched back Saturday at critics mocking his weight, releasing a lengthy Instagram statement denouncing what he called an “intense wave of online bullying and smear tactics centered around my weight.”

Schauer, an obese Democrat running in western Iowa’s House District 15, said the attacks are designed to distract voters from issues like health care, education and the economy. He vowed to stay in the race representing Dunlap and the surrounding communities. (RELATED: Fat Grifters Fear The Worst: Americans Will Get Skinny)

“Cheap shots like that are just that — cheap,” Schauer wrote. “They give no value to the world and certainly don’t help a state that is desperately in need of true leadership that will address our most pressing issues.”

The pile-on started after posts mocking his campaign videos and website slogan — “The Iowa House is dirty… Let’s give it a Schauer!” went viral on X and Instagram. Users piled on with jabs like “we really need to bring back bullying” and cracks about him “running” for office.

Schauer, a music teacher and city councilman, said none of it changes “a damn thing” about his decade of directing concerts, plays and homecoming events for students, or the other work he’s done in Dunlap.

“All it does is reiterate the fact that I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life (something millions of Americans can also relate to) and showcases the cruelty and hypocrisy of people that make fun of individuals they see as ‘other,’” he added.

Supporters have rallied to his defense. One Facebook post said Schauer is getting “some seriously disgusting comments from online basement” trolls and urged followers to give Schauer “some extra love today.”

His campaign website isn’t doing him any favors, either: a screenshot reviewed by the Daily Caller shows the homepage text and header stacked on top of each other, leaving his “Strong Schools, Healthy Lives, Proud Communities, Empowered People” message barely readable.

“These mediocre attempts to bully do nothing but strengthen my resolve,” Schauer concluded. “My course has not changed, and I still intend to run this race with the same fire for the people of HD15 and Iowa as before.”