Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)

Where Things Stand
CPAC is a yearly meeting where Republican activists set the party platform and plan for upcoming elections. The 2026 conference in Dallas shows a growing divide in the movement as many top presidential candidates and Donald Trump are skipping the event. This shift highlights a move away from the traditional Washington political establishment toward a different activist base.
Key Statements
“Major Republican presidential candidates skip the CPAC conference, leaving Senator Ted Cruz as the primary high-profile speaker to address the party's activist base.”
It highlights the absence of top-tier candidates which defines the current state of the event.
“Conservative activists gather at CPAC 2026 in Texas to discuss the future of the movement and internal party rifts as President Trump skips the event.”
It confirms the focus on internal party divisions and Trump's absence from the conference.
News
Republican presidential bigs skip CPAC as Ted Cruz prepares to fire up conservative crowd
Takeaways from Day 2 of CPAC 2026
5 things to watch for at this year's CPAC
CPAC's break with Washington tracks shifts in the conservative movement
Trump Poised to Skip CPAC For First Time in a Decade
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.