As the Republican Party gears up for its inaugural midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, several prominent Republicans from competitive districts have indicated they will not attend. The convention is intended to showcase the party's message and President Donald Trump's record ahead of the crucial November midterm elections.
Iowa Republican Rep. Zach Nunn, whose district is a key target for Democrats, stated he will be working within his district during the convention dates. "We're going to be back in our district working hard," Nunn said.
Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani also confirmed he will not be attending. His absence is due to a pre-scheduled televised debate for Arizona's 6th Congressional District, which falls on the second night of the convention. "It's a televised, pre-scheduled debate. We can't move it," Ciscomani stated.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania, who is seeking reelection in the 7th Congressional District, remains undecided about attending. He indicated that his decision would depend on further details about the convention's schedule. "We need to know what's going on at the convention, and we're still waiting to see all the different scheduling items there," Mackenzie commented, adding that he prioritizes spending time in his district.
Even Rep. Lauren Boebert, running in a solidly Republican district in Colorado, has not committed to attending, telling reporters, "We'll see."
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the sole Republican senator to win in a state carried by Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, will also be absent. Collins has a history of avoiding political conventions during election cycles.
These decisions come as a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump's approval rating at a low of 33% for his terms. Trump is scheduled to attend and deliver a keynote address at the convention.
Despite these absences, approximately 100 House Republican members and candidates are expected to be present in Dallas, representing about half of the House GOP and those running for reelection this fall. The House Republican campaign committee has reportedly requested contributions ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 from lawmakers and candidates planning to attend.
Among those planning to attend are Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, who sees the event as a platform to highlight Republican achievements. Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers, and Ohio Senate candidate Sen. Jon Husted are also confirmed attendees, as is Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry.
Candidates in key gubernatorial races are also prioritizing their home states. Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson and Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany will not be attending due to existing campaign events in their respective states.