Congressman Mike Rogers expected to be no-show at Opelika town hall
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – With an empty chair on stage reserved for Congressman Mike Rogers, dozens of East Alabama residents are expected to gather Thursday evening at the Opelika Public Library for a 'People's Town Hall' — an event organized by Indivisible Auburn-Opelika to give local voices a platform amid what organizers say is a lack of public engagement by their representative in Washington.
Dr. Nicole Carter, a pediatrician who lives in Lee County, emphasized the importance of public and nonpartisan dialogue.
'Many of us in Alabama's 3rd Congressional District are worried about the decisions being made in D.C. and how they are impacting our families and our community. We had hoped to have Congressman Rogers join us for a town hall where we, his constituents, could ask real questions and share our concerns with him,' Dr. Carter told WRBL.
Carrie Cole, Communications Director for Rep. Rogers, responded to WRBL's inquiry about the Congressman's absence:
'Congressman Rogers lives in the district and is in near-constant contact with his constituents and local leaders. The Democratic Party has encouraged activists to hold events that they have branded as 'town halls' in an effort to ambush Republican members of Congress. We welcome any constituents to contact any of our three offices.'
Dr. Carter says she has tried to contact Congressman Rogers to express her concerns. 'I call his office nearly every single day. No response back.' As a pediatrician for two decades, public health and science policy — are areas she is eager to discuss with Congressman Rogers.
Though Rep. Rogers (R-AL) declined the group's invitation to attend, organizers say the event will move forward with community speakers and an open mic session where constituents can share personal stories and pose questions they say deserve answers — particularly on issues ranging from health care to environmental policy to overseas military spending. The event will be livestreamed and, according to organizers, shared with Rep. Rogers' office.
'In his absence, we still hope to provide a nonpartisan, open forum for the community to gather and share their own stories and experiences,' said Dr. Carter.
Rogers has represented Alabama's 3rd Congressional District since 2003, making him one of the more senior members of the House Republican Conference. He currently serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
Whether or not Rep. Rogers responds to the video or the statements collected at Opelika's town hall remains to be seen. One message is clear: the conversation will continue — with or without him.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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