Angry Florida voters hold ‘empty chair’ town halls for absent Republicans

Frustrated voters are organizing empty chair town halls due to Republican members of Congress refusing to engage with constituents. The National Republican Congressional Committee advised against holding in-person town halls following viral incidents of constituents berating Republican members of Congress over federal worker firings and cuts during Donald Trump’s second term as president.
Recent town halls led by Republican members of Congress, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Chuck Grassley, and Mike Lawler, have been met with protests and demands for answers on various issues. President Trump criticized disruptors at town halls, accusing “radical left Democrats” of paying people to disrupt the events, although no evidence was provided.
In Florida’s third congressional district, Republican congresswoman Kat Cammack has not held any town halls, virtual or in-person, since before Trump’s presidency began. Cammack, known for repeating false claims about election fraud in the 2020 election, has faced mounting pressure from constituents who held empty chair town halls in Gainesville and High Springs, Florida, after she failed to schedule a meeting despite numerous requests.
At these town halls, attendees expressed concerns about cuts to federal services, research impacts on the University of Florida, and other issues affecting the region. Cammack’s absence was criticized, with constituents demanding that she address their pressing concerns. Despite the backlash, Cammack defended her approach, stating that her office remains open to meeting with constituents and has previously held numerous town halls and events.