AZ Dem ‘Invite Only’ Town Halls Skate Amid GOP Scrutiny

Arizona’s two Democrat Senators, Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, are being slammed on social media after constituents complained they were left in the dark about the times and locations of recent Town Hall events. The two recently embarked on a series of town hall meetings across Arizona; however, details of the events, including dates, times, and locations, were conspicuously absent from official websites and social media platforms. Gallego even teased the events with a cryptic “See you Arizona” message, fueling the frustration. 

Town halls in Central and Southern Arizona THIS WEEK. We’re just getting started, see you soon AZ! pic.twitter.com/2cmuzaVcbh

— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) March 17, 2025

Social media users voiced concerns that these town halls appeared to be “by invite only,” which the Arizona Globe confirmed when it could not obtain event details despite repeated inquiries.

Why is this allowed? You can’t call an invited chat a Townhall. Why is Ruben Gallego so afraid to meet with all constituents? No wonder AOC and Sanders are stumping and stomping thru AZ. What a Nancy. https://t.co/DwpBvnzkpF

— 🏜grownwildinAZ🌵 (@grownwildinaz) March 17, 2025

There may be good reason why the Democrats don’t want more people showing up for their public events. Reports emerged that the Senators “got an earful” from attendees about the Democrat party’s direction, with Gallego acknowledging the need to “do better” in response to calls for more vigorous advocacy.  

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) had a fun day at an awkward town hall. An Arizona constituent made the suggestion that “maybe it’s time we start getting a little bit dirtier with our messaging.”

As the fallout continues within the Democrat Party, one of the… pic.twitter.com/DvNerEbm6Y

— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) March 18, 2025

Yet, despite the outcry on social media regarding the Democrats’ apparent lack of transparency, there has been little, if any, commentary from traditional media or the official party machine. Contrast that with how the Republican party has been treated after just one invitation-only event.

Recently, Republican leaders, including Congressman Andy Biggs (R-CD5) and State Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), joined Maricopa Sheriff Jerry Sheridan (R) to speak at an invitational event aptly titled, “Come hear from 3 of our elected officials on the HOT TOPICS.” 

Unlike the Democrats’ alleged “town hall” meetings, the Republican event was clearly promoted as “invitation only.” MCRC Member-at-Large Patty Porter stated that the flyer was emailed exclusively to specific members of the Republican Party and affiliated organizations. She told the Globe that MCRC events are typically not open to the general public.  

Indivisible, a well-funded progressive activist group opposing Republican policies, orchestrates protests and disruptions at town halls as one of its main protest tools. The MCRC’s Porter told the Globe that she saw a sudden surge in Arizona event registrations, noting that one applicant used an Indivisible-affiliated email address. 

Paul Sperry, a reporter for RealClearInvestigations.com and a seasoned NY Post columnist, recently confirmed Indivisible’s anti-GOP intentions.

NEW: Meet couple running Indivisible’s anti-DOGE agitation op targeting GOP townhalls & flooding Hill phonelines: Leah Greenberg+Ezra Levin who have $11.7m warchest thx to $7.26m from Soros. Greenberg’s parents worked for Obama. 501(c)4 Indivisible pays a “DEI director” $155,163. pic.twitter.com/19yQUICPrM

— Paul Sperry (@paulsperry_) February 27, 2025

The exclusivity of the Republican event did not go unnoticed by Democrats. Arizona Senate Democratic Communications Director Calli Jones shared a meme declaring, “Republicans are scared of real townhalls.” Additionally, The Lincoln Project criticized the GOP’s approach, asserting that elected officials should not block any constituent from attending events and publishing the MCRC event’s location. Even AZ State Senator Annalise Ortiz (D-LD24) chimed in, chiding Representative Biggs that he represents all constituents, not just those in agreement with him.

Media coverage appeared uneven, with outlets like the Phoenix New Times and The Arizona Republic scrutinizing Republican-only events while ignoring the Democrats’ selective attendee approach. Political pundits argue that the disparity in coverage between Republican and Democratic events highlights a media bias, where GOP gatherings face scrutiny while Democrats’ selective access goes unchallenged.