Rep. Keith Self Town Hall: Medicaid Cuts, Gun Control Pushback, and 2026 Re-Election Announcement

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com | June 2025

While protesters lined the corners of 75 and 380 in McKinney to denounce political extremism at the “No Kings” rally, just a few miles away, Rep. Keith Self was preparing to host a very different kind of event in Farmersville.

His town hall—billed as “Koffee with Keith”—drew about 60 constituents and nearly as many rules. Attendees were required to pre-register, show ID at the door, and indicate their question topics upon arrival. A noticeable police presence surrounded the venue, reinforcing the sense that this was no ordinary community Q&A.

Inside, the congressman delivered wide-ranging remarks on everything from gun rights and federal debt to Medicaid and U.S. foreign policy. While most of the event remained civil, several moments sparked tension—particularly when constituents raised concerns about Self’s rhetoric or pressed him on gun control and Palestine. The forum was orderly overall, but it often highlighted the growing political divide in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.

One of the more pointed discussions centered on federal spending and healthcare access. Self defended the proposed cuts to Medicaid included in the House reconciliation bill, despite a Congressional Budget Office estimate projecting an $864 billion reduction over the next decade. He argued that the program had strayed beyond its intended scope.

“Medicaid is meant for pregnant women, seniors, children, and the disabled,” he said. “1.4 million illegals need to come off Medicaid immediately.” He also criticized what he described as able-bodied adults “choosing not to work,” citing a constituent’s story about relatives who preferred video games to employment—all without offering substantiating facts.

Self also reaffirmed his long-standing opposition to gun control. When a constituent—whose son was present during the 2023 Allen outlet mall mass shooting—asked if he would support an assault weapons ban, Self declined. Instead, he stood by his previous comment made shortly after the tragedy: “Even rocks can be considered assault weapons.” He further argued that much of what’s labeled “assault-style” is merely cosmetic, not functional, and claimed it’s difficult to even define what an assault weapon is. He reiterated his unwavering support for Second Amendment rights.

In a moment that drew audible reactions from the audience, Self made news by announcing his plans to run for re-election—despite having previously signed a pledge that would limit himself to two terms.

“I’ve signed the pledge,” he said in response to a question from Lance A. Schart, “but I will run again.”

On foreign affairs, Self expressed conditional support for continued U.S. aid to Ukraine. He praised Ukraine’s innovations in drone warfare but said the broader NATO alliance needed to do more. “The U.S. has been building the alliance to stand against Putin,” he said, “but Germany and France aren’t doing enough.”

He also criticized what he called judicial obstruction of former President Trump’s policy agenda. “We’re probably at the risk of a Marxist judiciary,” he said, referring to what he views as activist federal judges issuing national injunctions. He cited a House bill aimed at curbing such rulings.

National security concerns over China also featured prominently. Self claimed the U.S. is already engaged in “hybrid warfare” with China, citing industrial espionage, fentanyl trafficking, and land acquisitions near military bases. “China is doing everything they can,” he said. “Their goal is to be the sole superpower by 2035.”

While most of the forum remained calm, a few tense moments revealed deep political divides. In one exchange, Rep. Self blamed “the Left” for the recent murder of a healthcare CEO and two Jewish staffers in Washington, D.C., and went on to link the killer of two Minnesota lawmakers to Governor Tim Walz. When constituent Jennifer Brimmage objected to the broad generalizations and urged Self to stop spreading “propaganda” and unverified claims, tensions flared. One supporter attempted to silence her, while another reportedly directed profanity at her.

Later in the forum, Brimmage—a healthcare worker and self-described Republican—confronted Rep. Self over the inflammatory language in his online posts and newsletters. She objected to being labeled a “radical leftist” and a “useful idiot,” and urged him to stop using such divisive rhetoric. Rather than addressing her concerns, Self deflected. In response to a follow-up question, he invoked the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome”—a pejorative phrase often used to dismiss critics of former President Trump. The remark drew visible frustration and dismay from Brimmage.

“We should welcome people with all political views,” the woman said. “That’s what I expect from someone in office.”

Though billed as a casual community forum, the “Koffee with Keith” town hall revealed far more than coffee and conversation. From pointed policy stances to emotionally charged exchanges, the event reflected a district increasingly divided over both tone and substance. As Rep. Self doubled down on controversial rhetoric and announced his bid for re-election, constituents from across the political spectrum made clear that the conversation in TX-03 is far from settled—and many are no longer content to stay quiet.

For coverage of the “No Kings” protest that took place just miles away, click here to read the full article. 

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Rep. Keith Self’s town hall took place in Fairview. The event was held in Farmersville, Texas. We regret the error and have updated the article to reflect the correct location.