Governor Tim Walz to hold town hall in Valley as Rep. Rulli faces criticism over accessibility
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to visit the Mahoning Valley Monday evening to host a town hall, part of a broader tour through Republican-led congressional districts across the country.
The event, organized by local Democrats, comes after growing frustration among some Ohio 6th District constituents who say Congressman Mike Rulli has not held any public town halls in the region — including in Mahoning County, the most populous in his district.
In early March, Governor Walz posted on social media: “If your congressman refuses to meet, I’ll come host an event in their district to help local Democrats beat 'em.” While the post did not mention any specific district, Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair Chris Anderson said the message hits close to home.
“Governor Walz, like a lot of Democrats around the country, is going into districts where Republican members of Congress simply refuse to meet with their constituents,” Anderson said. “If you're brazen enough to want to cut Social Security and Medicaid, you should at least have the decency to stand in front of your constituents and defend why.”
Anderson also pointed to two recent protests targeting Congressman Rulli — including one outside a local fundraiser — as evidence of public frustration. He said some residents have reached out to Rulli’s office with concerns about Social Security and Medicaid, but received only form letters or were told to schedule meetings hours away in Marietta County.
“They said he only takes constituent meetings in Marietta,” Anderson said. “I don’t know anyone from Mahoning County that’s going to drive that far just to have their congressman say, ‘I’m going to do whatever my party tells me to do.’”
In a statement sent to 21 News, Congressman Rulli pushed back on the criticism. He wrote: “This effort is being funded by left-wing organizations and amplified by the failing Democrat Party infrastructure in a dishonest attempt to stage a grassroots movement.” Rulli also emphasized that his office assists constituents daily with a wide range of issues, including veterans benefits, Social Security claims, and broadband access.
Governor Walz’s town hall is scheduled for Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m. You can find details on the location and how to register here.
