Running Scared: Why GOP Lawmakers Are Dodging Their Own Voters

From town hall shutdowns to violent removals, Republicans are hiding from the backlash they earned.

Feb 25, 2025

GOP lawmakers are catching hell back home—and for good reason. Voters are furious about the DOGE firings, reckless tariffs driving up prices, picking fights with Canada, and the constant government overreach and intrusion. At town halls, constituents are showing up and speaking out.

So, what’s your Congressperson doing to be accountable? Mine is unhinged MAGA Republican Anna Paulina Luna. If you guessed she’s hosting a three-hour town hall to explain her votes and get feedback, you’d be dead wrong. On March 4, she’ll be holed up in her office, dodging accountability and hoping to avoid the roasting even electeds in deep-red districts are experiencing.

Instead, she’s hiding behind individual appointments only, just like other Republicans who've quietly shifted to private meetings while barring—or even dragging out—constituents who question them.

A Growing Pattern of Avoidance

This isn’t an isolated incident. Across the country, GOP lawmakers are ditching traditional town halls for invitation-only events and heavily screened tele-town halls. They claim it's about "security," but the reality is simpler: they don’t want to face angry voters.

In Idaho, a GOP town hall in Coeur d’Alene turned violent when Democratic candidate Teresa Borrenpohl tried to ask a question. Plainclothes security dragged her out, twisting her wrist, pinning her to the ground, and hauling her away as she screamed for help. “I thought I was being kidnapped,” Borrenpohl later said. Her crime? Asking a question at a public forum.

Why the heavy-handed tactics? Because the event wasn’t a real town hall. It was another Republicans-only echo chamber, where the public was barred from asking questions. Organizers made it clear from the start: disrupt the narrative, and you’re out.

Despite efforts to spin her as the villain for calling out the phony town hall and questioning lawmakers, all charges have been dropped and reports reveal that the security team who dragged her out have lost their contract.

This Isn’t How Democracy Works

Town halls used to be a cornerstone of American democracy—open forums for honest dialogue between constituents and their representatives. Historically, both parties held them, even when facing controversy. Avoiding constituents was once seen as political cowardice. Now, it's GOP standard practice.

Even in deep-red districts, this duck-and-cover strategy is backfiring. Voters are furious not just about policies but about the blatant disregard for accountability. “We elected them to represent us, not to hide from us,” said Sarah Jensen, a Florida constituent turned away from a private “appointment-only” session with her congressman.

Excuses Don’t Hold Up

Republicans often claim these shifts are for safety. But there's no evidence of widespread threats. Instead, peaceful voters—seniors, students, working parents—are the ones being shut out. Meanwhile, Democratic representatives continue holding open forums without incident.

This isn’t about safety. It’s about control. When politicians can’t answer for their actions, they lose the right to govern.

Even Jimmy Fallon, who rarely takes on controversy is mocking GOP lawmakers as cowards.

Call to Action: Demand Accountability

It’s time to fight back. Here’s what you can do:

📞 Call Your Congressmember: Demand a town hall open to all. Use the Town Hall Project to find scheduled events and report closed meetings.
📣 Spread the Word: Share this story. Make it loud.
✊ Hold Them Accountable: Show up at district offices. Organize community forums. Remind them who they work for.

Democracy works when the people are heard. Don’t let them silence you.