As the Republican Party prepares for its inaugural two-day midterm convention in Dallas, a significant number of key candidates are declining to attend, raising questions about the event's impact. House Speaker Mike Johnson has encouraged participation, emphasizing the need to unite behind the "America First agenda" and promising appearances from former President Trump and other party leaders.
However, the guest list remains unsettled. Several candidates seeking reelection or running in crucial gubernatorial races, including Michigan Representative John James and Ohio Representative Max Miller, have indicated they will not attend. Miller cited a desire to remain in his district, while James' team stated he does not plan to participate.
Republican strategist David Kochel suggested that candidates in battleground states should prioritize local campaigning, arguing that the convention may appear as a "made-for-TV event" that does not resonate with the voters most critical to their success. Some, like New Jersey Representative Chris Smith and New York Representative Andrew Garbarino, have cited commitments related to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks as reasons for their absence.
The convention, scheduled to take place at the American Airlines Center, faces a compressed timeline for setup. The venue was not available for transformation until after a performance concluded on August 30, leaving organizers with only days to prepare. John Hiller, a Trump aide serving as CEO of the convention, acknowledged the rapid preparations, describing the process as "building this plane as we fly it."
A POLITICO survey indicated that a substantial portion of the more than 70 Republican candidates and members polled either do not plan to attend or are still undecided. Invitations to the convention come with a price, with the NRCC requesting contributions ranging from $25,000 for a "Majority Committee" package to $100,000 for the "1776 Club," which includes access to various events and accommodations.
Despite the potential drawbacks, some prominent Republicans are expected to attend. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio plans to be present, as are Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Ohio Senator Jon Husted. Representative Michael Lawler of New York and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are slated to speak. The Daily Mail has also confirmed attendance from South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, Florida Senator Rick Scott, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Former President Trump initially announced the convention in June as a celebration of his administration's achievements and a rallying point for the party. The event has secured significant funding, with the Dallas 2026 host committee raising $45 million in less than a month. Organizers anticipate around 30,000 attendees.
The convention's agenda is expected to focus on issues such as tax relief, healthcare costs, border security, trade, and domestic manufacturing on the first day. The second day will cover topics including tax policies on tips and overtime, Social Security, and prescription drug prices, along with a tribute to Charlie Kirk and a segment commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Trump is scheduled to headline the second day, with JD Vance speaking the previous evening. Notably absent from the announced program is any significant segment on foreign policy or the ongoing war in Iran.
A fake website created by a firm linked to a former operative associated with Barack Obama was also identified, according to digital-forensics findings. Investigators indicated the site is connected to TaskForce, a creative agency with past clients including the Obama White House.