Republicans accuse Iowa Democrat of deleting tweets critical of Trump to seem more moderate.

Lanon Baccam, a Democrat vying for a congressional seat in Iowa’s competitive Third District, recently garnered attention for scrubbing his social media account of anti-Trump and pro-Biden posts before winning the primary earlier this month. Baccam, a combat veteran and former USDA official, secured the Democratic nomination in a landslide victory over his opponent Melissa Vine and is now set to face off against Republican Zach Nunn in the upcoming November election.

With a solid background in Democratic political campaigns, including working on President Biden’s Iowa team, the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, and for Senator Amy Klobuchar, Baccam’s political experience is extensive. However, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) uncovered that Baccam had deleted numerous partisan posts from his social media accounts in an apparent effort to portray himself as more moderate.

One of the scrubbed posts read, “We’re within my heavy-whipping-cream’s expiration days to the election. Make a plan to vote now and you can toss out Trump when I toss this in the trash.” Another post highlighted Baccam’s support for Joe Biden as a commander in chief who empathizes with veterans, service members, and military families.

As of June 13, Baccam’s social media account no longer mentions former President Trump or President Biden, indicating a strategic shift in online presence to distance himself from both political figures. In response to inquiries about the deleted posts, Baccam emphasized his dedication to serving veterans, rural communities, and working families, underscoring his commitment to making a positive impact if elected to Congress.

The upcoming general election in Iowa’s Third District will pit Baccam against Republican incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn, who previously flipped the district from blue to red in 2022. Democrats are eager to reclaim the seat from Nunn before his incumbency solidifies with multiple terms in office.

Overall, Baccam’s journey to secure the Democratic nomination and his subsequent actions in scrubbing social media posts highlight the competitive nature of Iowa’s political landscape. As the race heats up for the November election, both candidates will undoubtedly focus on showcasing their qualifications, platforms, and visions for the future of the Third Congressional District.