About 2,000 residents filled a Long Island town hall meeting with Maryland Representative Jamie Ruskin, a rare occurrence in a predominantly Republican area where such events are often avoided.
The turnout was so significant that the Patchag Theater needed to set up an overflow area. Ruskin addressed the rising frustration among Suffolk County residents, who feel neglected by local Republican leaders.
“My friend, we are ruled by idiots,” Ruskin remarked to the crowd. “But the tougher the struggle, the sweeter the victory.”
He acknowledged it might not have been their preferred option, stressing that having one’s own representative present is vital, particularly because the local GOP representative has been dodging public meetings.
The local Republican has been opting for controlled communications and private gatherings after facing backlash in recent months.
Ruskin, a member of an important House committee, reassured attendees that if Republican lawmakers continue avoiding public events, he would be more than willing to engage directly with their constituents.
Many lawmakers at the event discussed various pressing issues, including potential cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, salt caps, tariffs, taxes, and inflation.
Identifying himself as primarily a “progressive liberal,” Ruskin also described himself as a “conservative” regarding his commitment to constitutional law, the environment, Social Security, individual rights, and religious freedom.
He did admit that Democrats need to do a better job of connecting with working-class voters.
The event took place at the Patchig Theatre, and its high turnout emphasized the residents’ discontent over being sidelined by their political representatives.
In recent elections, Trump received about 55% of the vote in Suffolk County.
While some attendees expressed hope and inspiration from the event, others felt frustration over the lack of similar gatherings from their elected officials.
“In my area, Rep. Larota hasn’t held any town halls,” said senior Jim Casey, who attended the forum. “He had one phone town hall in March and only took eight questions.”
Casey and others felt that lawmakers supporting the current economic policies could be avoiding accountability as costs continue to rise due to tariffs.
Garvalino reportedly held a virtual town hall earlier that month, drawing over 10,000 attendees, but it’s unclear how many had the opportunity to engage directly.
One resident, preferring to remain anonymous, expressed a desire for more direct accountability from representatives, similar to Ruskin’s engaging approach.
Ruskin’s appearance at Patchug followed a national tour that included other Democratic progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senators Bernie Sanders and Jasmine Crockett.
However, not all welcomed Ruskin’s visit. Protesters with a truck displaying Trump flags played “Sweet Victory” outside the venue.
One dissenting resident remarked that the Patchigue Theatre would never have allowed “communists” to speak there, emphasizing the divide.
Before the forum, Larota criticized Ruskin’s approach, arguing he was out of touch with Suffolk County. Ruskin retorted that if drawing a crowd of 2,000 constituents is considered disconnected, Republicans might face an unpleasant surprise in November.
