New reporting from NBC today confirms that Republicans are continuing their cowardly strategy of hiding from their voters during the April congressional recess after doubling down on their votes last week to slash Americans’ health care in order to pay for billionaire tax breaks.

In contrast, Democrats are continuing to host town halls in Republican-held congressional districts to do Republicans’ job for them. In the last four weeks, the DNC, DCCC, ASDC and Democratic state parties have collaborated on 80 town halls, with more to come during the April recess. In communities across the country, Democrats are joining with working people to fight back against Republicans’ dangerous agenda to put billionaires over health care.

Take a look at last week’s coverage of Democrats’ “People’s Town Halls” below: 

In Arizona: 

In Arizona, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Mark Kelly, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton, and former Rep. Gabby Giffords joined a town hall hosted by the Arizona Democratic Party to call out Republican Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) for attacking the programs Arizona families rely on.

KVOA: Arizona Democrats Host “People’s Town Hall” to Address Healthcare Concerns

[Isabella Fredrickson, 4/14/25]

“Arizona Democrats hosted a ‘People’s Town Hall’ in Tucson, bringing residents together to discuss pressing community issues.

“Senators Cory Booker and Mark Kelly were in attendance, alongside Mayor Regina Romero and other local leaders. The event primarily focused on concerns over potential federal healthcare cuts. …

“‘It’s really focusing on people and focusing on their concerns and the extraordinary challenges we’re seeing as a result of the decisions that this president is making and the lack of action unfortunately by a lot of Republicans in Congress who we know agree with us on so many of these issues unfortunately right now they’re not stepping up to,’ said an attendee.”

KGUN: Senator Cory Booker joins Arizona lawmakers in Tucson to speak on national budget proposal

[Andrew Christiansen, 4/14/25]

“About 800 people packed Catalina High School’s auditorium on Sunday to see Democrats like New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Arizona District 4 Representative Greg Staton, and Mark Kelly. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero were also in attendance. …

“The Democratic lawmakers called out what they said are Republican efforts to make cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.

“‘They’re going to take money out of the pockets of people that don’t have a lot of money, take away their healthcare, to give it to the wealthiest of Americans,’ Senator Mark Kelly said to the press before the event. …

“‘You’re going to hear a lot of people in this audience, Democrats, many of them, but also Republicans and independents who are really angry about what they see,’ Representative Greg Staton said. …

“The Democrats in attendance on Sunday all agreed and said that if Republicans vote to cut money from Medicaid, it could hurt a lot of people.

“‘So many of our hospitals, so many of our doctors, and so many of our other medical professionals really rely on that program to make everything work,’ Booker said to the press.”

Politico: Playbook: The Trump tariff tango

[JACK BLANCHARD, 4/14/25]

“DEMS IN THE WILDERNESS: With members of Congress back home for a couple of weeks, Democrats are trying to amp up pressure on the GOP by hosting ‘People’s Town Halls’ in the districts of Republicans who won’t hold them. The latest was last night in Arizona, where Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) and others called out Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) and Republicans for Medicaid changes likely coming in the reconciliation bill.” 

In Indiana: 

In Indiana, Indiana Dems hosted a town hall holding Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) accountable for failing to meet her constituents in person. 

Indiana Daily Student: Indiana Dems hold Bloomington town hall for Rep. Erin Houchin despite lawmaker’s absence

[Jack Forrest, 4/13/25]

“Houchin, the U.S. representative for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Bloomington, has garnered criticism in recent months for what some view as a lack of public availability to constituents. That was why the Indiana Democratic Party organized its People’s Town Hall, which acted primarily as a condemnation of recent U.S. and Indiana Republican actions and a recruitment opportunity for the Democrats. …

“They talked about the importance of mobilizing amid state property tax legislation, uncertain tariffs and other developments. Horrocks said his time as a pastor and army chaplain taught him more unites Americans and Hoosiers than divides them, even if officials say otherwise. Tallian told attendees to ‘channel your anger’ into supporting the party. 

“‘The midterm election must be an unambiguous repudiation of this president, his policies and his lawlessness,’ Pierce said, getting applause.” 

WTHR: ‘Where are you, Erin?’ | Indiana Democratic Party hosts ‘People’s Town Hall’ in Republican District 9

[Ashton Hackman, 4/12/25]

“Some constituents who live in Indiana’s 9th Congressional District say they can’t reach their Congresswoman—Republican Erin Houchin—to voice their concerns and frustrations with what decisions are being made in the nation’s capital.

“So, the Indiana Democratic Party held a town hall for them Saturday at Bloomington City Hall and saved an open seat for Houchin.

“‘[It’s] unfortunate,’ said Alex Vitat, who was at Saturday’s event. ‘You know, they are our representatives at the end of the day, whether they’re blue, red, Democrat, Republican, and so it’s important that we’re able to talk.’ …

“Newly-elected Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian said she isn’t surprised some Republicans have called off holding town halls for their constituents.

“‘They believe that if they just wait long enough the furfur will die down, the teapot will quit screaming,’ Tallian said. ‘It’s up to all the people out here who are mad to make sure that that does not happen.’”

Indiana Public Media: Indiana Democrats ask ‘Where’s Houchin?’ at Bloomington town hall

[George Hale, 4/12/25]

“Indiana Democrats gathered Saturday in Bloomington for a ‘people’s town hall’ to hear concerns about cuts to healthcare and other services. …

“Speakers answered questions from constituents and criticized Houchin for failing to make herself available to Ninth District constituents.

“They also criticized her support for President Donald Trump’s moves to slash government services and jobs.

“‘We have to make our voices louder, stronger and unified. I don’t know what else to tell you,’ party chair Karen Tallian said. ‘It’s going to trickle down to Indiana soon. We’re going to pass a state budget that reflects all those cuts.’”

In Ohio:

In Ohio, Gov. Tim Walz blasted Rep. Michael Rulli (OH-06) for ignoring his constituents while voting for Trump’s tax scam to line the pockets of billionaires. 

Chronicle-Telegram: Tim Walz speaks at People’s Town Hall in Lorain 

[Carissa Woytach and Richard Perrins, 4/8/25]

“Nearly 2,000 people packed Lorain High School’s performing arts center and gymnasium to hear from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday. …

“‘If they were proud of these proposals, they would be out here in front of their people bragging about them,’ Walz told the Chronicle-Telegram shortly before the town hall. ‘But none of them are showing up, and in fact their leadership is not going to show up.’

“Trump’s tariff plan formed an integral part of his campaign platform in 2024. Walz told attendees that Lorain County residents who voted for Trump were ‘deceived.’

“‘That’s not on them, that’s on him,’ Walz said. ‘What we need to do is figure out a way to make them believe that they can trust us and we can do better for them.’ …

“Walz said Trump excelled at identifying economic factors that caused strain for residents in areas, like Lorain, in which manufacturing industries provided accessible pathways to the middle class. 

“The country is in a constitutional crisis, Walz said, and it will take people making their demands heard — in the streets and with their wallets — to see change. 

“‘The legislature and your representatives are not going to be the check on this guy’s power,’ Walz ended the town hall. ‘The courts are trying, but he’s not going to listen to them. The final check is the people.’”

Cleveland 19: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz holds town hall in Lorain

[Brian Koster, 4/8/25]

“Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke at Lorain High School in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, to highlight what he says is the Republicans’ absence in their districts. …

“‘We’re grateful to Governor Walz for joining us for the People’s Town Hall,’ said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters. ‘Republicans are continuing to ignore their constituents, but Democrats are stepping up to fill the gap because we know Ohioans deserve to be heard.’”

WFMJ: Governor Tim Walz hosts town hall in Youngstown

[Malia Brown, 4/7/25]

“Minnesota Governor Tim Walz brought his national town hall tour to Youngstown on Monday, meeting face-to-face with about 2,800 Mahoning Valley residents who say they’ve been left without a voice in their own congressional district.

“The event, held at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, drew a large crowd of attendees eager to express frustration over the lack of public engagement from Congressman Mike Rulli, who represents Ohio’s 6th District. Local Democrats organized the event following two protests last month calling for increased accessibility from Rulli, who has not held a public town hall since taking office.

“‘I believe it’s your job to show up and answer questions — especially at a time when people feel like there’s chaos and they want answers,’ Walz said, reflecting on his own time as a 12-year member of Congress.

“Throughout the night, Walz touched on a wide range of issues — including Social Security, education, health care, and the cost of living. At one point, he told the crowd, ‘We win elections to burn political capital to improve lives.’”

Morning Journal: Walz says Rulli disrespects his constituents by not meeting with them

[David Skolnick, 4/8/25]

“An overflow crowd loudly cheered as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who unsuccessfully ran in 2024 for vice president, answered questions at a town hall in Youngstown — something Congressman Michael Rulli, the Salem Republican who represents the district — has failed to do so far.

“Waltz took aim at Rulli, saying Monday that he is disrespecting his constituents by not meeting with them.

“‘You can disagree with your constituents, but you have the responsibility to serve them,’ Walz said Monday. ‘You can’t disrespect them and tell them you’re not willing to talk with them or what they’re doing is a pathetic thing. It’s not really pathetic to honor the First Amendment of the Constitution, which gives people the right to peacefully assemble to petition their government for their grievances.’ …

“Walz said, ‘It was a simple request to do a town hall, which is a time-honored tradition.’

“Walz added that Rulli’s statement is ‘a symptom of Donald Trump. When you don’t have anything to offer substance-wise or you don’t have a real response, you just attack people personally.’”

Business Journal: At Youngstown Town Hall, Walz Urges New Strategy for Democrats

[George Nelson, 4/8/25]

“About 2,600 people attended Monday night’s People’s Town Hall event at the DeYor Performing Arts Center to hear Walz, according to organizers of the event. …

“‘I have never seen this. I’ve seen congressmen kind of ignore their constituents. I’ve seen congressmen kind of try and dodge things. I have never seen someone put out a statement like this,’ Walz said. He predicted Rulli’s statement would ‘come back and bite him in the ass.’ …

“Walz said no one is surprised by the chaos of the Trump administration, though they might question whether it is driven by ‘malevolence or stupidity.’ He also said Republicans have ‘masterfully figured out ways to find the teeniest, smallest issue and divide us over it,’ distracting people from figuring out how to make communities safer, ‘economically and physically,’ how to create opportunity for people and how to ensure the planet is livable. …

“Democrats can achieve success organizing locally, he advised. The national, state and local parties are not there to ‘drive the message’ but are ‘a mechanism to help you get elected,’ he pointed out. A state Supreme Court victory for the Democratic candidate in Wisconsin and tighter than expected losses in two Florida congressional races have republicans concerned. …

“‘There’s a real energy out there that people want to hold their representatives accountable,’ said John Boccieri of Poland, who Rulli defeated for his state senate seat in 2018. He criticized his successor for ‘not having the courage to come out and address your constituents and tell them why you support things,’ which he sees as ‘a basic element of American politics.’”

WKBN: Tim Walz hosts town hall in Youngstown

[Stan Boney, 4/7/25]

“In downtown Youngstown Monday, 2,800 people filled Powers Auditorium for a town hall meeting hosted by Minnesota Governor and former Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz. …

“Much of the rally focused on opposing President Trump’s policies, such as mass deportations, layoffs of federal workers, and tariffs. …

“Youngstown area Republican Congressman Mike Rulli was invited to the town hall but declined, stating in a letter, ‘I’m terribly sorry I’ll be unable to attend your pathetic spectacle in person.’”

The Kent Stater: Tim Walz speaks to community at Youngstown People’s Town Hall

[Ari Collins, 4/8/25]

“Over 2,500 people filled Powers Auditorium in Downtown Youngstown Monday night for Minnesota Governor and former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s People’s Town Hall meeting. 

“Walz said he wanted to meet with communities across the country that felt underrepresented by Congress, and he teamed with Ohio Democrats to do just that. 

“‘A foundational piece of being a congressman … is talking to your constituents, especially at a time when they feel like there’s a lot of chaos going on and they want some answers,’ Walz said. ‘I hope I learn and listen to the folks here, I hope I give voice to people who can gather in a sense with their community.’

“State Rep. Lauren McNally of Ohio’s 58th district said the people of Youngstown have seen their bills spike and new uncertainties regarding access to healthcare, despite the fact that Ohio’s congressional representatives are working with billionaires. 

“‘They have failed time and time again to show up for us, the people they represent,’ McNally said. ‘Not one of our 10 Republican congressmen, not one, have hosted an in-person town hall since Trump’s inauguration.’

“People in Youngstown have felt especially misrepresented by their congressman, Michael Rulli, and they have protested his actions since President Donald Trump took office, including his support for Trump’s recent tariffs. …

“‘You can disagree with your constituents,’ Walz said in response to Rulli. ‘You have a responsibility to serve them, whether it’s to get them a passport, or Social Security or work with them on an issue. It’s fine to disagree … you can’t disrespect them and tell them that you’re not willing to talk to them or what they’re doing is a pathetic thing.’”