U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who represents Arizona, urged Democrats to engage more directly with working-class voters and criticized Republican lawmakers for avoiding town halls during a Saturday event in Bristol Township.
Gallego appeared at Benjamin Franklin Middle School alongside Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, the Democrat challenging Fitzpatrick in 2026.
Gallego the need for the party to address voters’ concerns about the economy, border security and immigration. He suggested Democrats should focus on connecting with individuals who previously supported President Donald Trump, rather than alienating them, various reports on the event said.
The First Congressional District and Lower Bucks County are considered swing districts have both parties focus on winning.
“People don’t vote for a party, right? It’s us that run as Democrats. We need to be the face of the party, and we need to be out there,” Gallego said, according to CBS News. “The problem is that we are too effing safe all the time.”
CBS News reported Gallego advocated for a “big tent” approach and criticizing the Democratic party for being too “pure” and “kicking people out of the tent,” referencing podcast host Joe Rogan as an example.
Gallego and local Democrats also took aim at Fitzpatrick, noting he has held only one in-person town hall since taking office in 2017. Gallego suggested Fitzpatrick is “afraid” to face his constituents, according to a WHYY News article.
Harvie, who spoke at the event, echoed Gallego’s criticism of Fitzpatrick’s lack of town hall meetings.
“We know what the last hundred days have done … what’s Brian Fitzpatrick done?” Harvie said, per the WHYY News article. “We know he doesn’t do town halls. We see him on Facebook, we see him taking pictures with kids at little league games, but we don’t see him standing up to protect the Department of Education so those same kids can get [a] good education.”
Gallego criticized Republican economic policies, potential Medicaid and SNAP cuts, and “tax breaks for the rich.” Gallego highlighted the impact of tariffs on goods on everyday Americans, WHYY News reported.
Gallego’s appearance in Bucks County fueled speculation about his potential as a 2028 presidential contender.
While acknowledging to the Washington Post last week that he had not ruled out a run, he stated his current focus is on his U.S. Senate term and family.
The national newspaper cited his working-class background and military service, along with his ability to win in Arizona, which has more registered Republicans, as factors that help him connect with voters.
Issues discussed at the town hall included the future of American democracy, potential cuts to social safety net programs, the economy, border security, and immigration. Gallego defended his vote for the Laken Riley Act when confronted, according to articles on the event.
National Republican Congressional Committee Eastern Regional Press Secretary Maureen O’Toole called the event a “fake town hall” and said “Harvie doesn’t care about delivering for Pennsylvanians.” She slammed Harvie for holding an event with Gallego.
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