U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, talks with an attendee following her Sunday town hall meeting in Joliet.  (Photos by Jack McCarthy / Chronicle Media) 

Lauren Underwood is asking her constituents to consider the power of three. 

Although her party holds limited influence in a closely divided U.S. House of Representatives, the 14th District Democrat told a Sunday town hall that slowing or even stopping unwelcome changes initiated by the Trump administration could be within reach. 

It comes down to convincing as few as three Republicans — notably representatives in competitive districts — to side with Democrats to fashion a majority on critical votes in Washington D.C.  

“None of this is inevitable, we can stop it,” said Underwood, urging attendees to call Republican representatives and make their feelings known. “We just need three. That’s how we stop them. The pressure works. We cannot be afraid to make the calls.” 

The Republicans 218-seat majority grants them all leadership positions, including Speaker of the House. Democrats have 213 seats, and four seats are vacant. 

Underwood, now in her fourth term in Congress, repeatedly denounced President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, his billionaire advisor, during the nearly 90-minute town hall at IBEW Local 176 union hall. 

In just two months, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has fired thousands of federal workers, initiated spending cuts and freezes, started to shutter agencies and a Cabinet department, as well as threatened Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. 

“We are in a different moment right now,” Underwood said. “Every day, Donald Trump and Elon Musk and his administration are attacking our Constitution and the institutions that made our country a beacon for the entire world. 

“I know how to fight the harm that his policies will inflict on our community and I know how to win. No matter how much he wants it to be true, Donald Trump is not a king (and) no one elected Elon Musk to anything.” 

Underwood’s in-person town hall appearance drew an estimated 600 people to the Joliet IBEW hall. It was a respectful and even friendly audience largely made up of middle-aged and older people.  

It was a marked contrast to a neighboring district when a recent meeting held by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Downers Grove, was shut down by police after disruptions by pro-Palestinian protesters. 

Joliet attendees were required to register in advance for free tickets. Upon entry, all bags and purses were examined and each person was checked with a handheld metal detector.  

Uniformed and plainclothes security were also on hand inside the packed meeting space. 

A capacity crowd of 600 people attended U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood’s town hall meeting at IBEW Local 176 union hall in Joliet.

Other questions and discussion ranged from Social Security and earned benefits to LGBTQ rights to preserving benefits for veterans and protecting immigrants and others from arbitrary arrests and removal from the country.  

Among the bluntest question came from a young constituent, held in her mother’s arms as an Underwood staffer extended a microphone. 

“I wanted to know why Trump is so mean and how can we stop him,” she said. 

“I don’t know why he behaves the way that he does,” Underwood said. “I think it’s inexcusable and his behavior, the meanness, the cruelty, calling names, making fun of people, teaming up with other bullies around the world — like (Russian president) Vladimir Putin — that’s not who we want in terms of qualities in a leader.” 

The 14th District covers portions of seven counties in Chicago’s western suburbs and extends into north central Illinois, including Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, Will, Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam. 

Underwood defeated Republican Jim Marter by more than 10 points in the 2024 General Election, her biggest victory margin in four campaigns.