President Donald Trump might not be at CPAC, but leaders repeatedly invoke his name and presidency.
CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp hosts a segment with White House Border Czar Tom Homan during the Conservative Political Action Committee, on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine.
GRAPEVINE — Republican leaders sought to rally their ranks and curb infighting at an influential conservative gathering Thursday as they aim to fend off Democratic wins in thesaid at the Conservative Political Action Committee, known as CPAC. “We need a united front and go out and win these midterms. If we don’t, we’ll be through,” he said. Thousands are gathering this week in Grapevine for the annual conference, which brings together grassroots activists, Republican lawmakers and conservative influencers.Trump, a regular fixture at the conference, is not scheduled to appear this year. Still, this undoubtedly remains his show, with leaders and participants alike repeatedly invoking his name and presidency. Although Trump’s national approval ratings have fallen since he headlined the conference last year, he still enjoys widespread approval from his party. In a FebruaryThat popularity is evident at the conference, where vendors hawked cigar boxes emblazoned with Trump’s face and bedazzled Make America Great Again jackets. Participants wore sequined dresses, rhinestone boots, American flag capes and MAGA caps. Attendees cheer as White House Border Czar Tom Homan exits the stage during Conservative Political Action Committee, on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine.CPAC — part political rally and part party and trade show — includes three days of speakers, networking breakfasts, faith worship services and cocktail and cigar receptions. Featured speakers include U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Attorney GeneralThe Iran war, which has divided some Republican voters, played a central role. Iranians who support the war broke into chant outside the conference’s main stage. During a panel, women shared stories of being shot and maimed for protesting the Iranian government.“This is what they do to their own people,” Hiva Wallace, an adviser to United Against Nuclear Iran, told the crowd. “What will this regime do to us, Americans? They want Americans gone.”have rattled markets and pinched household budgets. On Thursday, the average cost for a gallon of gas in Dallas hit $3.65, up from $2.62 a month ago, according to AAA. Debra Langdon, a grandmother of five and retired airline manager who has lived in the Dallas area for nearly a decade, said the U.S. must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.“It’s a short-term hit for a long-term gain,” Langdon, 74, said of gas prices. “This will secure our children’s and grandchildren’s future against a nuclear weapon.” Ariel Kohane wears a kippah with a photo of President Donald Trump during Conservative Political Action Committee, on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine.Mercedes Schlapp, senior fellow for CPAC and a former adviser for Trump, said conservatives are on a “mission to save America,” which is facing “unprecedented times.”Texans said maintaining Republican control is critical. A Democrat has not won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, whenand a handful of incumbents won reelection. The only close race in years was in 2018 when Beto O’Rourke came within three points of beating Cruz.In Tarrant County, political newcomer Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat and Lockheed Martin mechanic, scored a stunning victory in February against conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss in a Tarrant County district that favored Trump by 17 points in 2024.is capturing widespread attention for his U.S. Senate run as he seeks to flip the seat held by incumbent John Cornyn, who is locked in a tight runoff against Paxton. Paxton is scheduled to speak at CPAC on Friday.“We don’t have another Texas to move to,” Middleton said. “This is our line in the sand. I will never relent in the fight for Texas and conservative values.”Michael Reaud, 55, a Trump supporter who owns a clothing store in Beaumont, said he is somewhat concerned about the midterm but confident Republicans will sweep Texas and maintain control of the U.S. Congress., which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Trump and many Republicans nationally and in Texas have prioritized the bill. Critics say millions of people, including married women who have changed their last names, could be excluded from voting and that voter fraud is exceedingly rare in the United States. The House has already passed the bill. People must show identification to buy alcohol or drive, Reaud said, and voting should be no different.Sarah Bahari is a trending news reporter. She previously worked as a writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where she covered a bit of everything. She is a graduate of Kansas State University.Savannah Guthrie habla en la primera entrevista desde la desaparición de su madre: video
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