Was it the people’s town hall — or a political playbook in action?

By / / Top Stories, Local, National, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

By RMV Staff | RMV NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice

As constituents speak out in Greeley, and across Colorado, political operatives sharpen their sights on Colorado’s 8th District.

On April 26, more than 100 residents gathered at the Moxi Theater in downtown Greeley for a two-hour town hall organized by progressive groups, including Vote Save America PAC. Billed as “The People’s Town Hall: Where is Gabe?” – the event gave attendees from across the political spectrum a chance to speak up about representation, leadership, and what they want to see from elected officials.

The Collective Voice: The True Keynote

In a unique format, nearly 50 individuals were given three minutes each to share their thoughts, speaking with passion, urgency, and reflection. The event was led by Karissa Beresford, who set clear standards and expectations that all in attendance respected, explaining that there would be no single keynote speaker: “The collective voice of all participants is the keynote speaker.” 

This approach emphasized the event’s grassroots spirit, focusing on the power of citizen voices rather than individual authority.

Themes of Accountability and Unity

Many speakers circled back to one theme – the absence of Representative Gabe Evans and what it meant to them. 

“Who do you represent and who do you stand for?” asked Tiffany Simmons.

Others focused less on party and more on unity, calling for more listening, less labeling, and a return to neighborly respect.

Katie Fine challenged mischaracterizations of civic-minded citizens, stating: “We are not sick people who want criminals and terrorists running our streets, as indicated by the current administration in Washington, D.C.” 

Mary Ann spoke to a value many in the room seemed to be asking of their leaders: “It takes courage to do the right thing.”

A broader perspective: balancing accountability with political awareness

Saturday’s discussion was spirited, but it’s worth remembering the bigger picture. Outlets like Fox 31 and the Greeley Tribune have highlighted Rep. Gabe Evans’ work on public safety and education reform, pointing to his legislative record as a sign of engagement.

In recent months, Evans has introduced or supported several bills aimed at improving public safety, rural economic growth, and access to technical education. His office says he’s worked closely with law enforcement leaders, hosted listening sessions on energy policy, and held virtual forums to reach constituents who can’t attend in-person events.

Supporters note that Evans has remained active both in the legislature and in the media, recently spotlighting what he calls misuse of taxpayer funds – including $32 million in Medicaid spending on undocumented immigrants and reports of benefits going to deceased individuals. 

He raised these concerns in a KOA interview and on social media.

Former President Donald Trump recently endorsed Evans on social media, calling him a “decorated Army Helicopter Pilot,” and praising his work in Congress on border security and defending the Second Amendment. 

Evans responded with thanks and said he’s focused on keeping Colorado communities safe from organized criminal activity tied to illegal immigration.

Evans’ stance on public safety and immigration has also drawn praise from Colorado constituents. After he criticized the state legislature’s recent passage of SB25-276 – a bill that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement – a resident shared his post and wrote: “This is how a Colorado Congressman protects his constituents. Thank you @RepGabeEvans.”

However, critics – like many at Saturday’s town hall – argue that legislative action without direct constituent interaction falls short of accurate representation.

Past Greeley Tribune editorials have also noted a growing trend across Colorado: citizens from across the political spectrum are increasingly demanding more face-to-face dialogue, town halls, and participatory governance from their elected leaders. 

Last week’s meeting reflected that statewide movement – a call for leaders not only to act but also to listen.

A Note on Political Context

Many who took the mic spoke from the heart. But Saturday’s event also fits into a coordinated effort by national and state Democratic groups to flip Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in 2026.

The strategy includes organizing events like this one, launching billboard campaigns, and sending high-profile Democrats such as Rep. Greg Casar and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez into the district.

Progressive groups have used symbolic props and social media blitzes to amplify the message that Evans isn’t meeting voters where they are — a charge his office strongly disputes.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has officially named Evans a top target. At an April 24 “People’s Town Hall” in Thornton, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib even shared the stage with a life-size cardboard cutout of Evans, complete with chicken legs.

In response, Evans’ team points to his tele-town halls, constituent meetings, and public appearances — and says the criticism is politically staged.

Saturday’s Greeley event was a reminder that it was both a space for sincere public voices — and part of a broader political playbook.

A Model for Future Civic Engagement

The April 26 event in Greeley highlighted the importance of civic participation. Without a single featured speaker, the spotlight stayed on every person who stepped up to share. Whatever the politics behind it, the event showed that people still care deeply about how they’re represented – and that dialogue, in any civil format, remains essential.

As one participant put it: “We are the keynote. And we will be heard.”