Beto O’Rourke hosted a town hall in Beaumont, championing public service and urging Texans to engage with key issues.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Former U.S. Congressman Beto O’Rourke made a stop in Southeast Texas on Monday, hosting a Golden Triangle town hall at the IBEW Local 479 in Beaumont. More than 700 residents from the region gathered to hear O’Rourke’s message, ask questions, and discuss both state and federal issues.
While O’Rourke did not announce any plans to run for office, he told attendees that public service remains at the heart of his mission. Whether it be as a politician or a resident, he said he’s committed to advocating for Texans.
When asked directly if he would seek office again, O’Rourke avoided giving a definitive answer. He has previously told crowds, including one in Tyler, that he would do the will of the people. On Monday, he emphasized that while he is not currently campaigning, the idea is not off the table.
Throughout the town hall, O’Rourke focused on listening to the concerns of Southeast Texans.
“If you aren’t with the people of Orange, Port Arthur, and Jasper, then you really have no business saying that you’re going to fight and represent them,” O’Rourke said. “Because you’ve never heard them in the first place to know what’s important to them. So by showing up, by listening to what people have to say, and going out there fighting for it, that’s how we make people’s lives better.”
O’Rourke used the event to rally residents ahead of the Fourth of July, urging them to recommit to the Constitution and reflect on the sacrifices made for the nation.
Though no longer in office, O’Rourke remains a vocal advocate for key issues including nuclear disarmament, improved healthcare for veterans, and ending illegal ICE deportations.
He closed the town hall by calling on the national Democratic Party to wake up.
O’Rourke has been holding similar town halls across Texas, particularly in Republican-held congressional districts. He continues to travel the state, meeting with communities and fielding questions from residents.
No formal announcement about his political future has been made.