Congressman Joe Walsh announced Thursday he will not attend the Republican National Convention in Tampa Bay in August, according to a news release from his campaign.

Instead, the 8th district Republican candidate will host a series of town hall meetings and listening events in the district.

"Rather than mingle with Party insiders in Tampa, I will be in the 8th district to continue to serve as an independent voice for for the people," Walsh said in a statement.

In addition, Walsh asked his opponent, Tammy Duckworth, to join him in skipping the Democratic convention in Charlotte and instead hold joint town halls. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that Duckworth will attend the convention and will serve as a delegate and the vice chair of the Rules Committee.

Earlier this week, the Illinois 8th District was named the third most-likely district to change parties this fall, according to the National Journal.