Stand Up for Science plans empty-chair town hall near Cleveland

Stand Up for Science will host an “empty chair” town hall on Aug. 31 in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District to hear concerns from science advocates and constituents. The group invited Rep. Max Miller but has not confirmed his attendance.

Why it matters: - The event gives constituents in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District a public forum to raise concerns during the congressional recess. - The town hall also puts pressure on Rep. Max Miller over the lack of a district meeting this year. - Stand Up for Science is using the event to keep science policy and federal research funding in front of voters.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science will hold an “empty chair” town hall on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. - The public event will take place in northeast Ohio and is open to constituents, science advocates and members of the press. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, CEO and founder of Stand Up for Science, will host the town hall. - The group invited Rep. Max Miller, who represents OH-7, but he has not confirmed attendance.

The details: - The town hall is designed to let attendees share concerns and questions directly with the organizers. - Stand Up for Science framed the event as a substitute for a traditional congressional recess town hall. - The organization said Miller has not held a town hall in the district this year. - Interested attendees can register through the event link provided in the advisory.

Between the lines: - The “empty chair” format signals a challenge to Miller’s constituent outreach rather than a standard community meeting. - Stand Up for Science is extending its mission beyond federal agency policy into local political organizing. - The group has built a national profile through large-scale activism and open letters from federal scientists.

What’s next: - The town hall will proceed on Aug. 31 whether or not Miller attends. - Stand Up for Science said it wants the event to give people a platform to share their thoughts directly. - The organization will likely use the turnout and questions to amplify constituent concerns after the recess period.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is turning a congressional recess into a public test of accountability in Max Miller’s district.