Several Republican candidates and lawmakers are planning to skip the party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas next week, as President Trump’ s poll numbers slide ahead of the 2026 midterms
However, the event comes as Republicans worry about Trump’s popularity ahead of the midterm elections, where the party risks losing its House and Senate majorities. President Donald Trump is gathering his party for a two-day pep rally in Dallas on September 9 and 10. He is running in a toss-up contest in a state Trump won in 2024.
Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters has called the event “Trumpapalooza,” saying it will help unite the party and reach more voters. Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) – said he hadn’t yet made plans to attend. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) – a spokesperson told USA Today she doesn’t plan to be at the convention and will instead remain in her state, a top Senate battleground.
One is the high cost, House members are reportedly expected to pay a minimum of $25,000 to attend, though members of the public can win a free ticket through a lottery. Timing is another factor: the event runs September 9-10, right after Labor Day weekend, and clashes with the first two NFL games of the season, as per Politico. Senator Jon Husted of Ohio and former Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan also plan to attend. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska is expected to take part as well. A few reasons are being cited for the low turnout.
A source said past conventions cost even more. ” That doesn’t concern me,” Vance said, adding that candidates in close races have a lot to juggle, from fundraising to meeting with voters. As per USA Today, Vice President JD Vance downplayed the absences, saying it doesn’t worry him.
