Brian Shaver, the Democratic nominee challenging incumbent Rep. Bob Latta in Ohio’s 5th Congressional District, is launching a district-wide listening tour he’s calling the “Tacos and Transparency Tour,” with events planned at local Mexican restaurants in 9 district counties on Tuesday evenings through the fall.

“I believe representatives must put people before party and stay present and accountable to their communities,” Shaver said in announcing the tour. “This is in stark contrast to my opponent, who has not held a town hall in well over a decade.”

Latta, a Republican who has represented the district since 2007, declined a constituent-organized town hall request in April 2025, with his office telling Toledo’s WTVG he would not participate in what it characterized as “orchestrated disruptions to create media spectacles.” The station reported that the last event listed on Latta’s congressional website district events page dated to 2015.

Shaver said the sessions are open to residents across the political spectrum.

“I want to hear from constituents from all sides of the aisle,” he said. “An open, civil dialogue is necessary for our democracy to thrive and for us to restore the true meaning of ‘We the People’ to our federal government.”

The tour builds on Shaver’s May campaign kickoff at Mi Tequilas in Fostoria. The first listening session takes place in Crawford County on Tuesday, June 30, at Mi Cerrito, 741 Portland Way S., Galion, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The remaining schedule:

  • Lorain County: Tuesday, July 14, 7–9 p.m. — Tacos del Pueblo, North Ridgeville

  • Seneca County: Tuesday, July 21, 7–9 p.m. — Xcaret Mexican Restaurant, Tiffin

  • Wood County: Tuesday, July 28, 7–9 p.m. — El Zarape, Bowling Green

  • Richland County: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 7–9 p.m. — El Campestre, Ontario

  • Sandusky County: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7–9 p.m. — Casa Fiesta, Fremont

  • Huron County: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 7–9 p.m. — Casa Bravos, Norwalk

  • Wyandot County: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7–9 p.m. — La Fragua, Nevada

  • Hancock County: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6–8 p.m. — Taco Fiesta Hinojosa, Findlay

Shaver, 48, is president of Fostoria City Council and teaches social studies at Fostoria Junior/Senior High School. He won the May 5 Democratic primary, narrowly defeating 3 challengers, and faces Latta in the Nov. 3 general election.

A full schedule of events is available at brianshaverforcongress.com/events.