Republicans set to largely avoid town halls during the congressional recess

Congressional members are now on a two-week recess and may face more frustration from their constituents. However, voters in Republican districts may not have many opportunities to question their representatives. Following Rep. Richard Hudson’s advice to avoid in-person town halls, it seems most Republicans are following suit.

Democrats are taking the lead in hosting town halls during the congressional recess, while only a few Republicans, like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Byron Donalds, have publicly announced their town hall events. Sen. Chuck Grassley will also be holding a public town hall in Iowa.

Greene and Donalds have restricted registration for their town halls to residents of their districts, possibly in response to colleagues facing criticism at previous events. Hudson has not mentioned anything about town halls to GOP lawmakers since his advice in March.

Democrats are also planning town hall events in Republican-held districts, aiming to engage constituents who feel ignored by their Republican representatives. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are on a tour denouncing Trump and both Republican and Democratic members of Congress, with plans for rallies in various states.

The NRCC criticized Democrats for focusing on political theater rather than addressing the concerns of everyday voters.