Dozens of Republican lawmakers, candidates and members are not planning to attend President Donald Trump’s highly unusual off-year convention in Dallas, just two months ahead of the midterms. In a survey of more than 70 candidates and members, at least 45 Republicans told Politico they were skipping the party’s first-ever midterm convention to attend prior obligations, spend time in their own districts, or silently protest the quirky event. Typically, major political parties hold conventions during presidential election years to officially nominate a candidate.
But in June, Trump announced the Republican National Committee would host a midterm convention with “great entertainment” to “rally like never before.” Republicans are hoping to generate enthusiasm among potential voters and bring in money for the GOP – in part by charging donors $88,600 for a photo with Trump. One House Republican told Politico the midterm convention was a “waste of time” and said planning had been “a mess.” “You shouldn’t be having to rally your base at this point,” the unnamed House Republican said. Independents are not attending nor watching the midterm convention.” Republicans are fighting an uphill battle to maintain control of Congress in the upcoming midterms – especially as voters sour on Trump’s agenda due to rising costs from his war with Iran and latest trade war with Canada.
It’s typical for the party in power to lose seats during the midterm, already putting Republicans at a disadvantage. Some candidates told Politico they were heading back to their districts for that reason, including Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett and Iowa Rep.
The Independent has asked the RNC for comment. RNC Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre told Politico in a statement that “the outreach and enthusiasm to attend, participate, and speak at this historic midterm convention has been incredible.” “Republicans across the country are rallying behind President Trump’s America First agenda that’s brought lower drug prices, lower taxes, and a secure border, and this convention will provide the momentum needed to expand our majorities in November,” Baldassarre added. Some high-profile lawmakers will be in attendance, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Ohio Senator Jon Husted and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.
Trump will headline the two-day event with a keynote address on September 10. Conservative activist Sanjay Narayan told CBS News the convention “will be an exciting opportunity to revitalize and reinvigorate the campaign”. The convention is also meant to raise money for Republicans fighting tough races, such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is trying to defeat Democratic candidate James Talerico in the Senate race.
The RNC reportedly asked sitting House members to spend $25,000 for themselves and a guest to attend the two-day event or $100,000 for a higher tier. Another unnamed House Republican told Politico that they “didn’t want to go anyway” but the high cost “made it easier.” The convention will also host a roundtable with Trump on September 9 that costs $250,000 to attend and a roundtable with Vice President JD Vance on September 10 that costs $75,000, according to an invitation seen by the Wall Street Journal. Donors will also have the opportunity to take a photo with Trump for $88,600 or Vance for $35,000.
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