GRAND RAPIDS — Congresswoman Angie Craig will host an in-person town hall in each of the districts held by Minnesota’s Republican members of Congress.
According to a news release, Craig said the events will "give voice to Minnesotans who want to hear what’s happening in Washington."
The Second Congressional District Democrat will host town halls in Grand Rapids, St. Cloud, Willmar and Mankato. The Grand Rapids event is 6 p.m. Monday, April 21. The location of the event will be provided by Craig's staff upon RSVP.
Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents the Eighth Congressional District including Grand Rapids, hosted a telephone town hall on March 24, but has not hosted an in-person event this session of Congress.
The lack of events has led to some criticism by constituents who feel ignored, with protests occurring outside of Stauber's Hermantown office earlier this year. GOP leaders have urged a pause on such events to avoid the backlash while painting attendees of recent meetings as "paid activists."
Asked whether he would host an in-person event during the town hall, Stauber replied, "I'm holding a town hall right now, and for the six-plus years that I've been in Congress, I've held phone town halls, and they've been very successful. On average, we get between 6[,000] and 10,000 people on the line at our town halls, and it's a great way for me to get out and talk with my constituents and get the questions answered if they have them."
It's been widely speculated that Craig may run for the U.S. Senate in 2026 to replace Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, who has announced she will not run for reelection. Craig will not rule out a run. She told WCCO she would make an announcement either way by the end of the month.