Rouzer's absence from Cape Fear candidate forums draws criticism from opponents, WWAY reports

WWAY reported that U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, a Republican seeking his seventh term in North Carolina's 7th Congressional District, has missed several recent candidate forums in the Cape Fear region, and that his opponents are criticizing his absence as early voting continues.

Libertarian candidate Maad Abu-Ghazalah told WWAY: "It makes me feel incredibly disrespected. It makes me feel invisible." Democratic challenger Kimberly Hardy said: "When you have someone who makes very intentional decisions to avoid hearing from you, to avoid having conversations and answering questions, then that really hits different as a constituent, and it tells you that you're taken for granted."

WWAY said Rouzer's office told the station on Wednesday that the congressman has championed transportation improvements throughout his district. The station said it called and emailed Rouzer's office about his absence from forums and had not received a promised response before publication. WWAY also reported that Rouzer has not held a town hall in the Cape Fear region since 2017.

WWAY reported that both challengers also raised concerns about plans to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, including the possibility of tolling. Abu Ghazalah said: "We don't want a toll bridge." Hardy, a social work professor, said she wants to improve health care for veterans and expand access to medical services.