A convention built to showcase Republican unity is already giving the GOP something else to talk about: who won’t be there.
With President Donald Trump preparing to take center stage in Dallas next week, at least 45 Republican candidates and lawmakers say they plan to skip the gathering, while dozens more have yet to decide, according to POLITICO.
For a president who has promised a televised political spectacle just weeks before the midterm elections, the empty seats could become part of the show.
The high number of potential absences is raising questions about whether Trump’s first inaugural midterm convention will energize Republicans or expose the political pressures pulling the party in different directions.
Trump has envisioned the two-day event as a massive rally for Republican candidates, donors and voters, but some lawmakers are choosing campaign stops at home, family obligations or other events — while others appear wary of putting themselves too close to the president heading into a difficult election.
The Republican National Committee has promoted the Sept. 9-10 convention at the American Airlines Center as a major opportunity to build momentum before November.
Trump will headline the event, with Vice President JD Vance also scheduled to speak. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune plan to attend, alongside vulnerable Republican senators and potential 2028 presidential contenders like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
But the attendance list is far from a show of complete party unity.
Rep. Tom Barrett, a Michigan Republican facing a difficult reelection campaign, said he believes his time is better spent in his district.
“I just felt I’d be more useful in my district,” Barrett said, according to Politico. “I travel a lot for this job, and if I can be back home and see my family and do the job back home as well, then that’s sort of what I lean toward doing.”
Barrett also made clear that staying away gives him some control over how closely he is associated with whatever Trump says onstage.
“I can’t control what the president’s going to say at the convention, but I can control where I’m at, what I’m doing.”
Other Republicans facing competitive races are making similar choices. Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa said, “I’m going to be in my district,” while Rep. Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania said, “I’m not sure yet.” Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado is not planning to attend, according to people familiar with the decision, while Rep. Nick LaLota of New York plans to visit colleges with his daughter.
The decisions come as some Republicans privately worry that Trump’s political standing in their districts has become a liability. The ongoing conflict in Iran, the trade war with Canada, and higher prices have created additional pressure, while other administration decisions have frustrated parts of the Republican base.
One Republican lawmaker who plans to skip the convention went further, privately calling it “a waste of time” and saying the planning has been “a mess.”
“You shouldn’t be having to rally your base at this point,” the member said. “You should be trying to convince independents. Independents are not attending nor watching the midterm convention.”
The Republican National Committee pushed back on that assessment.
“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,” RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre said.
Financial requirements are prompting some House Republicans to stay away. An NRCC memo obtained by POLITICO outlines a $25,000 base donation for members, which covers access to one hotel room, two convention tickets and a welcome reception.
Higher giving tiers reaching $100,000 provide additional room allocations and VIP access, leading some members to question the wisdom of diverting campaign funds away from tight local races.
“I didn’t want to go anyway. That made it easier,” another Republican lawmaker said.
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee said the price contributed to his hesitation.
“It’s $25,000, apparently — I just got a bill,” said Burchett.
Trump has been planning the unusual midterm gathering for months, describing it as both a celebration and a campaign kickoff. Some Republicans said they were excited to be there.
“This convention will be a Trumpapalooza,” said Republican National Committee Chairman and Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters. “Where we will showcase the America First agenda, which has delivered the largest tax cut in history and made communities safer.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called hosting the convention a “tremendous honor,” while Texas Republican Party Chair D’rinda Randall said Texans were eager to welcome Trump back to the city.
Yet the spectacle is now facing an awkward reality: Some of the people Trump needs most to win the midterms would rather campaign somewhere else.
That has not gone unnoticed online.
“Trump isn’t holding a midterm convention to save Republicans from Trump,” one commenter wrote. “Trump’s going to make it a required love fest about himself at a time when his approvals are in the 30s. This should go GREAT.”
Another reaction was more direct: “It’s sure been a disaster.”
Others saw the growing list of absences as evidence that Trump’s political pull may be weakening.
One said, “Republicans are coming up with all kinds of excuses not to attend Trump’s Big Midterm Convention Lapalooza. Is the circus barker finally losing his appeal?”
And one observer pointed to the combination of politics and money behind the exodus:
“Oh look: At least 45 GOP candidates and lawmakers do not plan to attend Trump’s midterm ‘convention’ in Dallas next week. They’re just .. opting out. It may be steering clear of associating with Trump. It may also be the high fees they have to pay to attend.”
