Iowa House candidate Benjamin Schauer responded to critics mocking his weight on Saturday, posting a lengthy statement on Instagram condemning what he called “an intense wave of online bullying and smear tactics centered around my weight.”
Schauer, an obese Democrat running for the 15th House District in western Iowa, said the attacks are aimed at distracting voters from issues such as health care, education and the economy. He vowed to stay in the race, representing Dunlap and surrounding communities. (RELATED: Fat Cheaters Fear the Worst: Americans Will Get Thin)
“Cheap shots like this are just cheap,” Schauer wrote. “They add no value to peace and certainly do not help a state that desperately needs true leadership to solve our most pressing problems.”
The attack came after posts mocking his campaign videos and website slogan: “The Iowa House is Dirty… Let's Give Him a Schauer!” went viral on X and Instagram. Users poured in pokes like “we really need to bring back bullying” and jokes about him “running” for office.
Schauer, a music teacher and city councilman, said none of this changes “a damn thing” in his decade of producing concerts, plays and homecoming events for students or the other work he has done in Dunlap.
“All it does is reinforce the fact that I have struggled with my weight my entire life (which can also relate to millions of Americans) and demonstrate the cruelty and hypocrisy of people who make fun of people they consider 'different,'” he added.
Supporters rallied to his defense. One Facebook post said Schauer was receiving “very nasty comments from internet trolls and internet basements.” called followers to give Schauer “a little extra love today.”
Current Benjamin Schauer campaign website unenlarged and unedited on a MacBook Pro as of December 16, 2025 (Screenshot via schauerforiowa.com)
His campaign website isn't doing him any favors either: In a screenshot reviewed by the Daily Caller, the homepage text and headline are superimposed on each other, making its message of “Strong Schools, Healthy Lives, Proud Communities, Empowered People” barely readable.
“These mediocre attempts at intimidation only strengthen my resolve,” Schauer concluded. “My course has not changed and I remain committed to running this race with the same fire for the people of HD15 and Iowa as before.”
