President Donald Trump’s GOP convention next week in Dallas is to be a made-for-TV showcase, putting Republican candidates in front of midterm voters and top donors two months before Election Day. But a large share of his own party may not show up.
A survey of more than 70 GOP candidates and members found that most either don’t plan to attend or are still undecided. Dozens more declined to reveal their plans at all.
Republicans are reportedly skipping Donald Trump’s midterm convention
Forty-five Republicans gave Politico a range of reasons for staying away from what would be the first midterm convention held by a major party in more than four decades. Some pointed to prior commitments, including fundraisers and district events scheduled before the June announcement of the convention. Others cited personal conflicts like weddings and family gatherings. A number also balked at the five-figure minimum fees party officials are asking attending lawmakers to pay.
Some Republicans in competitive races are avoiding the event, dubbed “Trump-a-palooza” in some GOP circles, as they weigh the risks of appearing alongside the president so close to voting. Rep. Tom Barrett, who faces a difficult reelection fight in central Michigan, said he’d rather stay home. “I just felt I’d be more useful in my district,” Barrett said, adding, “I can’t control what the president’s going to say at the convention, but I can control where I’m at, what I’m doing.”
Other battleground Republicans gave similar answers. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) said, “I’m going to be in my district.” Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) said, “I’m not sure yet.” Even Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) plans to visit colleges with his daughter instead.
Trump will headline the two-day event at Dallas’s American Airlines Center, with Vice President JD Vance also speaking. Most top GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, plan to attend, along with 2028 hopefuls like Sen. Ted Cruz.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
