DCCC welcomes ‘Rep. Ben Wyatt’ ahead of ‘Parks and Rec’ special episode

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) welcomed “Rep. Ben Wyatt,” a character played by actor Adam Scott, to its ranks ahead of the “Parks and Recreation” reunion special set to air Thursday.

The DCCC tweeted out a welcoming message for the fictional Wyatt as “our newest Frontline member” with an image from the episode showing him as the representative of Indiana’s 9th Congressional District. 

“As the former Mayor of Partridge, Rep. Wyatt knows the meaning of creativity and hard work,” the tweet read, referring to the NBC sitcom character’s backstory in Minnesota. “Ben also created the popular game Cones of Dunshire. After flipping this R+13 district, we know he can win big in November again.”

Welcome to our newest Frontline member, Rep. Ben Wyatt!

As the former Mayor of Partridge, Rep. Wyatt knows the meaning of creativity and hard work. Ben also created the popular game Cones of Dunshire. After flipping this R+13 district, we know he can win big in November again. https://t.co/354x8TB5Ol pic.twitter.com/rrpfAeme5w

— DCCC (@dccc) April 29, 2020

The tweet came after Jessica Taylor, a Cook Political Report editor, pointed out that it appeared Wyatt had “somehow” flipped a deeply red district currently represented by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind.). It launched a debate on Twitter over if the character would actually identify as a liberal or conservative. 

The “Parks and Rec” reunion episode, which was all shot from the cast’s homes, plans to raise funds for food assistance for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The proceeds will go to Feeding America. 

Leslie Knope wants to let you in on a secret… On April 30, #ParksAndRec is returning to NBC for “A Parks and Recreation Special”. Our workplace proximity associates, along with our neighbors at @StateFarm, are raising money for @FeedingAmerica. Join us! https://t.co/YuyWBTYmrH pic.twitter.com/ZId6Lq3rkJ

— Parks and Recreation (@parksandrecnbc) April 23, 2020

The show’s seven-season run on NBC concluded in 2015.