FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A crowd of residents filled the Allen County Public Library on Friday for an ‘empty chair’ town hall, an event organized by Indivisible Northeast Indiana to highlight the absence of Republican lawmakers. The gathering came in response to GOP leaders’ decision to forgo in-person town halls during the congressional recess.

Democratic Lawmakers Answer the Public’s Questions

Indiana House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta and State Rep. Kyle Miller, both Democrats, fielded questions from attendees on a range of pressing issues. Conversations covered current legislation, the Trump administration’s policies, and their impact on Indiana residents.

While the two Democratic lawmakers engaged with constituents, three empty chairs sat on the stage—one each for U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks, and Third District Rep. Marlin Stutzman, all Republicans. Their absence did not go unnoticed.

“They’ve never been here before, why would they be here now?” said Diane Groenert, a local resident. “They’re no-shows. They’re interested in Trump and Elon, they’re not interested in us.”

Republican Responses—or Lack Thereof

Senator Banks’ office responded sharply to criticism, dismissing the town hall as a partisan event. A spokesperson told WPTA’s 21Alive, “Attending a fake town hall with a small group of whiny Democrats suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome is not at the top of his priority list.”

Senator Young’s team struck a different tone, stating that Young “regularly meets with Hoosiers in a variety of formats, including attending meetings and events across Indiana.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Marlin Stutzman’s office provided no response.

What Attendees Had to Say

Frustration was evident among attendees who expected their elected officials to be present. Many voiced concerns about accessibility and accountability.

• “They work for us, but they won’t even show up,” one attendee remarked.
• “It’s not about party lines. It’s about leadership and listening,” another added.
• “If they’re too busy for their constituents, maybe they shouldn’t be in office,” a third said.

Not everyone in the audience leaned left politically. A handful of self-described conservatives attended, expressing disappointment in their representatives for not showing up. One lifelong Republican voter said, “I wanted to hear from both sides, but it seems like only one side is willing to listen.”

Future Town Hall Plans

Leaders from Indivisible Northeast Indiana emphasized their commitment to open dialogue. They announced plans to hold another town hall at the Allen County Public Library on April 19, inviting all elected officials—Republican and Democrat alike—to attend.

As the event wrapped up, GiaQuinta reflected on the importance of these gatherings. “As representatives, our job is to hear the concerns of the people we serve. You can’t do that if you don’t show up.”