‘Trump-a-palooza’ rally to bolster House campaigns isn’t drawing high GOP attendance
President Donald Trump is hosting a midterm convention in Dallas next week, but a number of Republicans say they’re not packing their bags to attend.
A new survey from Politico of more than 70 GOP members and candidates shows half of them say they’re not going to what will be the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention. Dozens more say they aren’t sure or didn’t give an answer.
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The GOP usually only holds conventions during election years as a platform to formally nominate its candidate. Trump announced plans for the midterm convention in June, promising a “rally like never before” as Republicans look to keep control of Congress come November. Historically, the party in power loses seats during midterms.
Vice President JD Vance will speak at the two-day event, as will Trump, who is the headliner.
‘Trump-a-palooza’
The lack of interest or participation in the convention, which Politico reports some GOP insiders are calling “Trump-a-palooza,” signals that some Republicans may be looking to distance themselves from the president as his approval ratings continue to dip.
“You shouldn’t be having to rally your base at this point,” one unnamed House Republican told Politico. “You should be trying to convince independents. Independents are not attending nor watching the midterm convention.”
Some who are not going say they already had plans before the convention was scheduled — fundraisers in their districts or personal conflicts, like family events.
“I just felt I’d be more useful in my district,” Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., told 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.”
Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn also said he plans to be in his district during the event. Rep. Nick LaLota of New York said he’ll be visiting colleges with his daughter. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., will be dove hunting in Oklahoma, according to Politico’s report.
Others said they’re either unwilling or unable to afford the steep price tag of $25,000 to attend. A photo op fundraiser runs $88,600 for a picture with Trump.
Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett told Politico the attendance fee is why he is still “not sure” whether he’ll attend.
A memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee details that the $25,000 donation allows the donor to book one hotel room in the committee’s block, two tickets to a welcome reception and two to the convention itself. Those who give more up to $100,000 will get access to additional rooms, tickets and events, the memo says. The proceeds coming from the political donations will funnel to the NRCC, allowing it to disburse money to key races to bolster the party’s numbers in the House.
New Hampshire’s former governor, Republican Chris Sununu, told Mediaite he’s “never heard of anything” like the plan to charge Republican candidates to attend a midterm convention.
The anonymous House Republican told Politico the convention would be a “waste of time” and that the planning had been a “mess.”
Who is going
Most of the House and Senate’s top Republicans will be at the convention. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are both committed to the event.
Johnson told Politico that while it is an important event for the GOP, he understands that it comes at a crucial time for some Republicans to campaign in their districts.
“They’ve got to all make their own individual decision … but the people that do come are going to have a great time,” Johnson said.
Some potential 2028 presidential nominees, like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, will also be there, as well as some of the Senate Republicans facing battleground races in November.