The claim that transgender Democratic candidate Laura Benjamin dropped out of a House race on Friday, days after criticizing slain Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk for 'hateful rhetoric,' is mostly true because a reliable source (Newsmax) reports this sequence of events, though independent confirmation from additional sources is limited.
Mostly True
Transgender Democratic candidate Laura Benjamin dropped out of a House race Friday, days after slamming slain Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk for "hateful rhetoric."
Right Seeks to Cancel Charlie Kirk Commenters for Wrongspeak - TIME
Source: time.com
At a glance
Verified September 27, 2025Key Evidence
Newsmax reports that Laura Benjamin dropped out on Friday after slamming Charlie Kirk for hateful rhetoric. TIME and BBC confirm Kirk's death and related social reactions but do not mention Benjamin or her campaign status.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
According to Newsmax, Laura Benjamin, a transgender Democratic candidate, exited a House race on Friday shortly after publicly condemning Charlie Kirk, who was recently assassinated, for what she described as 'hateful rhetoric. ' This aligns with the claim's timeline and content. The other sources (TIME and BBC) focus primarily on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death and the social consequences surrounding reactions to it but do not mention Laura Benjamin or her candidacy.newsmax.comnewsmax.comTrans Dem Candidate Exits House Race After Smearing Kirk
Therefore, while the core facts about Benjamin's withdrawal and her criticism of Kirk are supported by at least one credible source, there is a lack of corroboration from multiple independent outlets. The timing, Benjamin dropping out days after Kirk's death, is consistent with the claim.
However, the Newsmax article’s editorial tone and political leaning should be considered when evaluating potential bias.
Primary trail
Verified Sources3
Open source