The annual Conservative Political Action Conference is set to begin this week in Grapevine, Texas, bringing together Republican leaders, activists and media figures at a pivotal moment for the party.
Hosted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the gathering is expected to serve as both a political showcase and a barometer for the direction of the GOP heading into the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.
This year’s conference comes with a notable shift: Donald Trump, who has dominated the event for nearly a decade, is not expected to attend. His absence places greater focus on emerging party figures and internal debates that have intensified in recent months.
Among the most closely watched storylines is a high-profile Republican primary battle in Texas between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn. With Paxton scheduled to speak and Cornyn absent from the lineup, the race is expected to loom large over the conference, particularly as Republicans weigh electability concerns ahead of November.
Foreign policy divisions are also likely to take center stage. Ongoing conflict involving Iran has exposed fractures within Trump’s political base, with some prominent conservative voices publicly questioning U.S. involvement. The issue is expected to generate significant discussion among attendees as the party balances its “America First” stance with concerns about economic impacts, including rising energy prices.
At the same time, attention is already turning toward the 2028 presidential race. JD Vance and Marco Rubio are widely viewed as leading contenders for the GOP nomination, and both are expected to factor prominently in conversations throughout the event. CPAC’s annual straw poll will offer an early gauge of support among the party’s most engaged activists.
The conference will also feature a strong presence of conservative media personalities and influencers, reflecting the growing role of digital platforms in shaping Republican messaging. Figures from across the conservative media landscape are scheduled to address attendees alongside administration officials and policy leaders.
In addition to national figures, a slate of Republican candidates from across the country is expected to use the event to raise their profiles ahead of the midterms. Senate and congressional hopefuls will be among those making appearances as they seek support from grassroots activists and donors.
Source: The Hill