The Decline of Town Halls: Why Republican Lawmakers Are Dodging Their Constituents

A fundamental responsibility of every member of Congress is to engage with their constituents. Whether you voted for them or not, they represent you in Washington, D.C., and they owe you the opportunity to be heard. Town halls have long been a cornerstone of American democracy, providing a space where elected officials return to their districts to listen to the concerns of the people they serve.

However, in the Trump era, a disturbing trend has emerged: Republican lawmakers are increasingly avoiding in-person town halls, opting instead for virtual meetings that shield them from direct public engagement. This shift is not just disappointing—it’s undemocratic.

The Tradition of Facing the Public

For centuries, town halls have been a battleground of ideas, a place where politicians must defend their policies and hear firsthand how their decisions impact everyday Americans. These events aren’t always comfortable, but they are necessary.

Consider the early years of the Obama administration. One of the most contentious pieces of legislation at the time was the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The law was deeply polarizing, and many Americans were outspoken in their opposition. Despite this, Democratic lawmakers still showed up. They faced packed town halls, overflowing crowds, and heated debates.

I attended one of these events myself when my then-congressman, Gary Peters (now a senator from Michigan), held a town hall on the ACA. The turnout was so overwhelming that many people had to listen from the parking lot. The energy was intense—protesters shouting, arguments breaking out, and palpable frustration in the air. Yet, Peters didn’t hide. He listened. He admitted he was undecided on his vote and took feedback from his constituents. That’s what democracy looks like: leaders who are willing to face the people, even when the conversations are tough.

Hiding Behind Screens

Fast forward to today, and we see a stark contrast. Republican lawmakers, knowing that Trump’s policies are widely unpopular, are dodging in-person town halls. Instead, they are opting for virtual meetings that minimize accountability and allow them to control the narrative.

Just recently, my current congresswoman, Lisa McClain from Michigan’s 9th Congressional District, announced that her next town hall would be virtual. Instead of facing her constituents directly, she’s choosing the safety of a screen. This is not leadership. This is fear. And it is a betrayal of the democratic process.

Why This Matters

Avoiding town halls is more than just political cowardice—it’s an erosion of the fundamental relationship between elected officials and the people they serve. If a politician is unwilling to engage with their constituents, what does that say about their confidence in their own decisions? If they are afraid to hear opposing viewpoints, do they truly represent their entire district or just the faction that aligns with their ideology?

History shows that dodging constituents doesn’t end well. Politicians who refuse to engage with the public often find themselves out of office when voters realize they’ve been ignored. If Republican lawmakers continue to hide behind virtual town halls, they will face the consequences at the ballot box.

Final Thoughts

Elected officials must be held accountable. They must listen to the voices of their constituents, even when it’s uncomfortable. If they believe in the policies they support, they should have the courage to defend them in person.

Republicans who are dodging town halls today might think they are avoiding tough conversations, but in reality, they are alienating the very people who will decide their fate in the next election. And when that reckoning comes, they will have no one to blame but themselves.