Peoria, AZ — Constituents of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District gathered outside the Trilogy community in Peoria today to protest Rep. Abe Hamadeh’s vote for the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which critics call the Big Ugly Bill for driving up costs for Arizona families while benefiting billionaires and special interests.
With less than 24 hours’ notice, over two dozen participants showed up to make their voices heard. Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Abe’s Ambition = AZ’s Affliction,” “Stop the Big Ugly Bill,” and “Abe Defends the Bill. Who Defends Us?” The protest remained peaceful and spirited, with the Peoria Police Department present to ensure participants’ safety and protect free speech — support for which organizers expressed deep gratitude.
Rep. Hamadeh ultimately attended the event — a private meeting of a neighborhood veterans club — entering through a back door and speaking for roughly thirty minutes. Constituents noted that, once again, this was a closed-door event with no opportunity for the general public to attend, ask questions, or hold their representative accountable. Since taking office, the Congressman has held no public events and has removed the public calendar from his website.
“Abe continues to avoid open town halls and public meetings,” said Brent Peak of Northwest Valley Indivisible. “Instead, he hides his calendar and limits himself to private appearances where constituents cannot engage. That’s not accessibility, and it’s not accountability. Thankfully, we heard about his planned appearance and were able to show up today.”
Northwest Valley Indivisible and partner groups emphasized that their efforts will continue, urging Rep. Hamadeh to face the people he represents in a public forum and answer for votes that are hurting Arizona families.