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Chellie Pingree represents Maine’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Earlier this month, I hosted a pair of back-to-back in-person town halls.
Given the gravity of this moment in our nation’s history, with an administration growing more reckless and extreme by the day, I felt fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with the people of Maine’s 1st Congressional District face to face.
In less than 72 hours after announcing the events, both venues — totaling more than 1,500 seats — were at capacity.
People were clearly ready for this.
If I had hosted a live town hall a year ago, I doubt it would have filled a coffee shop, let alone two giant auditoriums. That’s how quickly things have changed — and how alarming things have gotten.
Unconstitutional funding freezes. Attempting to end birthright citizenship. Elon Musk and DOGE destroying whole government agencies. The tariff whiplash. Sending innocent people to foreign gulags. The administration’s incessant attacks on our state — all because our governor stood up for the rule of law.
There’s so much to be angry about. It’s no wonder people call and write to us every day asking, “What are you doing to stop this?” or “What can I do to help?” This administration’s actions are so unprecedented, so flagrantly illegal, that we are rewriting the playbook for how to respond every day.
The crowds that came to our events were a clear reflection of that anger and confusion — and that desperate desire to find a way forward.
There is always an element of uncertainty at public town halls. But unlike some of the more contentious forums we’ve seen across the country (the ones that went viral — for all the wrong reasons), the events in Rockport and Westbrook were civil, productive and focused on the issues, rather than soundbites or shouting.
I have always believed that my job as an elected official is to be open and honest with everyone I represent, that everyone deserves respect and should have an opportunity to be heard. And that I should always do my best to answer every question I am asked.
At both town halls, dozens of people lined up to ask questions. Hundreds more submitted questions or comments on notecards. They shared helpful ideas for how to move forward — and powerful personal stories about how the president’s policies have directly impacted them.
Like the USAID employee whose job was abruptly terminated, after the department was illegally shut down. Or the mom who worries how cuts to the Department of Education will impact her special needs child. Or the constituent who is genuinely fearful about how the administration is going after the LGBTQ+ community.
These stories — like so many others people shared — reminded everyone in those rooms just how much is at stake.
Not in the midterms. Not in the next presidential election. But right now.
It’s easy to feel that your voice doesn’t matter. That all of this — the lawlessness, the chaos, the cruelty, the utter disregard for the Constitution — is beyond your control.
That’s exactly what this administration wants you to think. They want you to tune out. To throw up your hands and give up.
I hope these events remind everyone — both here in Maine and across the country — that people aren’t giving up. Just the opposite. They’re standing up. They’re making their voices heard. They’re demanding action and accountability — loudly, proudly and in clear, unmistakable terms.
Here in Maine, town meetings have been integral to state and local politics for generations. They’re part of our very civic DNA. With both events, you could feel that sense of democratic duty. That spirit of participation.
These events made me proud to be a Mainer, and reminded me how lucky I am to represent the people of Maine’s 1st District. They showed what’s possible when voters and elected officials engage one another in good faith — and how, whatever our individual perspectives, causes or political opinions, we can still come together in shared commitment to our democracy.
I’m very much looking forward to hosting more town halls in other communities throughout the 1st District. Until then, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who attended these recent events — and implore them to keep making their voices heard.
It’s time to be as loud as we can.