Republican candidates and lawmakers are expressing divided views on attending the party’s first midterm convention, scheduled for September 9-10 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. A survey of more than 70 GOP candidates and members found that many plan to skip the two-day event or remain undecided just two months before Election Day. While leadership including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune plan to attend, others cited scheduling conflicts, five-figure fees, or a preference for campaigning in their home districts.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled as the keynote speakers for the gathering, which was first announced in June. The Republican National Committee (RNC) conceived the event as a way to energize the party's base and showcase legislative accomplishments. However, some party members privately expressed concern that the event could distract from local campaigning or tie candidates to the president during a period of dissatisfaction regarding rising consumer costs and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Logistical and financial hurdles have also impacted planned attendance. A memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) indicated that House members were requested to provide a minimum donation of $25,000 to secure hotel rooms and event tickets, with higher tiers reaching $100,000. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) confirmed he received a "bill" for the $25,000 amount, while other members, such as Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), stated they would remain in their districts to focus on their respective campaigns.
Voters in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio may notice their representatives' absence from local events during the convention dates. Additionally, the event is scheduled to compete for television viewership with the start of the NFL season and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, leading some members, including Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), to prioritize local commemorations over the Dallas gathering.
RNC officials stated the convention will provide the momentum needed to expand congressional majorities by highlighting an "America First" agenda. However, if attendance remains low among vulnerable incumbents, it may signal a shift in party strategy toward decentralized, district-level campaigning. Following the convention's conclusion on September 10, the focus will move toward early voting periods, which begin in various states shortly after the event concludes.