Democratic campaign groups and state organizations are collaborating to organize a series of town halls in districts currently held by Republicans. This effort follows advice that congressional Republicans should refrain from in-person town hall events after experiencing viral, tense interactions.
The districts identified for these Democratic events include several anticipated to be competitive in the upcoming House races, such as Arizona’s 6th District, Colorado’s 8th District, Iowa’s 3rd District, Michigan’s 10th District, Nebraska’s 2nd District, and Pennsylvania’s 7th and 8th Districts.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin commented, stating that Republican officials are “frightened to be in the same room as the constituents who elected them to Washington.”
“If they won’t engage with their own voters, then Democrats will take that responsibility. We’ll be hosting People’s Town Halls across all 50 states, beginning with crucial GOP-held districts. Working families deserve to have their concerns acknowledged, even if Republicans choose to disregard them,” Martin emphasized.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Susan DelBene, D-Wash., remarked that Republican lawmakers “are neglecting the most fundamental aspect of their responsibilities: engaging with the constituents they serve.”
This initiative from Democrats, who have faced challenges since the beginning of the Trump administration, arises after multiple GOP lawmakers encountered protests during town halls in their own constituencies.
In one notable incident, video footage captured attendees booing Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., as he defended Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. In another case, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, faced chants of “Vote you out,” during one of his town hall meetings.
Republicans have accused Democrats of orchestrating protests to disrupt town halls held by Republican representatives.
