A crowd of protesters lined the sidewalk outside the Magic Tree Pub & Eatery in Boardman on Tuesday evening, calling on Congressman Michael Rulli to hold town halls and meet with his constituents. The demonstration was organized in response to Rulli’s fundraiser inside the restaurant, which protesters say highlights a larger issue—his alleged lack of accessibility to regular voters.

Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht, one of the demonstrators, said she has made multiple attempts to contact Rulli’s office but has received no response.

“I went to his office in Canfield, and staffers told me they don’t accept constituent concerns there. I would need to travel to Washington, D.C., or two and a half hours away to Marietta,” she said. “If he has time for a fundraiser in Mahoning County, he should have time to meet with the people he represents.”

Others echoed similar frustrations, citing difficulties in getting in touch with Rulli. Jim Allgren, another demonstrator, criticized what he sees as a disconnect between the Congressman and his voters.

“He won’t return phone calls or emails. He separates himself from us like he’s royalty. If you’re a donor, you can meet with him. If you’re not, good luck,” he said.

Military veteran Daniel Walter attended the protest, saying he is particularly concerned about proposed changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs and potential budget cuts.

“Downsizing the VA will affect my benefits, and that’s the reason I’m here,” Walter said.

Rulli declined an on-camera interview but provided a written statement, saying he supports free speech but believes the protest was “organized and funded by left-wing organizations across the country and seek to undermine the democratically elected government.” He also reaffirmed his support for former President Trump and said he would not back down from his legislative agenda.

Protesters, however, maintain that their concerns are not about party politics but about accountability.

“We just want to be heard,” said former congressional candidate Michael Kripchak. “If he has time for donors, he should have time for us.”

The demonstration remained peaceful as protesters held signs and chanted, urging Rulli to meet with constituents and host a public forum.