Constituent Calls Out Congressman for Avoiding Town Halls

Readers criticize Rep. Pete Stauber for refusing to meet with constituents in Minnesota's 8th District.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A reader in Lakewood Township, Minnesota has written a letter criticizing Rep. Pete Stauber, the congressman for Minnesota's 8th District, for refusing to hold town hall meetings and face his constituents. The reader contrasts Stauber's behavior with that of Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents the neighboring 5th District and is willing to engage with both supporters and detractors. The reader argues that Stauber's avoidance of constituents is unrepresentative and that he should be willing to face the "anger and pushback" from his district.

Why it matters

This letter highlights growing tensions between some elected officials and their constituents, with accusations that certain representatives are unwilling to engage directly with the people they serve. It touches on broader themes of political polarization, distrust in government, and the role of town halls and public forums in a representative democracy.

The details

The reader criticizes Rep. Pete Stauber for only partially showing up to a private meeting with the Teamsters union on January 28th, and for generally avoiding face-to-face interactions with constituents in Minnesota's 8th District. The reader contrasts Stauber's behavior with that of Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents the neighboring 5th District and is described as having "the chutzpah to stand in front of her supporters and detractors alike." The reader suggests that Stauber may be "afraid of the anger and pushback" he would face, and wonders if he would surround himself with security like "cosplay police" if he did hold a town hall.

  • On January 28, 2026, Rep. Pete Stauber only partially attended a private meeting with the Teamsters union.

The players

Pete Stauber

The U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 8th congressional district.

Ilhan Omar

The U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district.

Tom Diener

A reader from Lakewood Township, Minnesota who wrote the letter criticizing Rep. Stauber.

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What they’re saying

“Stauber only partially showed up for private time with the Teamsters union on Jan. 28 .”

— Tom Diener, Reader (Duluth News Tribune)

“In these troubled times — where hate, racism, and division are seen in executive orders from a felon on high — I'm not surprised Stauber might be a little nervous about scheduling face time with constituents. Is he afraid of the anger and pushback? Can he imagine the vitriol and contempt if he were a different color or a different gender? Oh, wait, Omar is a different color and a different gender. And she showed up!”

— Tom Diener, Reader (Duluth News Tribune)

The takeaway

This letter highlights the growing divide between some elected officials and their constituents, with accusations that certain representatives are unwilling to engage directly with the people they serve. It raises questions about the role of town halls and public forums in a representative democracy, and the importance of elected officials being accessible and accountable to their communities.