Dozens of GOP Lawmakers Reject Trump-Driven Midterm Convention in Dallas
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At least 45 Republican officials are refusing to attend the party’s first midterm convention, citing conflicting obligations, constituent work, or open opposition to the event, even as the RNC attempts to spin it as a fundraising and rallying opportunity for Trump’s hardline agenda.
In a telling sign of deepening fractures within the Republican Party, more than 70 GOP candidates and officeholders were surveyed, and at least 45 have chosen not to attend the Republican National Committee’s inaugural midterm convention in Dallas. Their reasons range from prior commitments and the need to actually serve their constituents, to a quiet protest against the Trump-dominated event that continues to drag the party further to the extreme right.
The convention, orchestrated by President Donald Trump for September, is designed to whip up enthusiasm among the party’s shrinking base, raise massive sums from wealthy donors, and promote the exclusionary 'America First' agenda. The RNC is shamelessly offering donor packages from $25,000 up to $100,000, with even more exorbitant options like a $250,000 roundtable with Trump and an $88,600 photo op, highlighting the party’s prioritization of big money over ordinary Americans.
One unnamed House Republican dismissed the gathering as a “waste of time” and criticized the chaotic planning. The source added, “You shouldn’t be having to rally your base at this point. You should be trying to convince independents,” underscoring the party’s inability to broaden its appeal beyond the far right.
Despite the controversy, Republican leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senators Ted Cruz, Jon Husted, Bernie Moreno, and Trump himself will attend, with Trump delivering the keynote on September 10. Their presence signals continued loyalty to Trumpism, even as many in the party seek distance.
The RNC press secretary attempted to paint the event as generating “incredible” enthusiasm, claiming it will help expand Republican majorities in November. However, lawmakers such as Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan and Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa are skipping the spectacle to focus on their districts and upcoming races, perhaps recognizing that aligning with Trump is a liability.
Other officials cited personal reasons for their absence: Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma chose a dove-hunting trip, while Rep. Nick LaLota of New York will be visiting colleges with his daughter—clear signals that, for many, Trump’s convention is simply not worth their time.