Christian Smith
Senate Republicans, not known for being ardent supporters of former President Trump, are weighing whether to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this summer or avoid it altogether as he inches closer to a return to the White House next year.
Four Republican members of the Senate in that mold — Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Todd Young (Ind.) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) — told The Hill they do not plan to travel to the convention in July to celebrate the which will be a coronation of the former president. Five others – Senators Mike Rounds (S.D.), Susan Collins (Maine), Bill Cassidy (La.), Jerry Moran (Kan.) and Rand Paul (Ky.) – indicated they have not decided whether to go at this time.
Of the group, all but Tillis did not support Trump’s third run for the White House, with the North Carolina senator just supporting him lightly after resisting during the primary fight. While none specifically cited Trump as the reason for not attending, his feelings — or lack thereof — for the former president are widely known.
“Everyone has to make their own decision about this, but it is part of our political life,” said Senator John Thune (RS.D.). “Conventions have been happening for a long time and I think the parties have the task of trying to unite people and make decisions that are important for the leadership of our country.
“I understand if there are people for whom this isn’t a huge priority,” Thune added.
Murkowski and Young said they both had travel plans that week, but did not disclose what they were. Romney was never expected to leave, given the mutual disdain between him and Trump as he twice voted to convict him in impeachment trials.
Tillis said in a brief interview that while he hasn’t finalized his plans, he “probably won’t.”
“I’m just not a convention goer, honestly. Back in the state, we have races to run. We will be represented,” Tillis said of the convention, noting he cannot be a delegate. “There are other competing priorities that week that I need to sort out before making a decision.”
Collins said she hasn’t made a decision and needs to review her schedule. Cassidy told The Hill to invite him closer to the convention, but indicated she hasn’t decided either. Both voted to convict Trump in the second impeachment trial for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Rounds indicated that although he has no plans to attend, he could still be influenced if Trump selects someone he approves of as his running mate. The South Dakota Republican was an ardent supporter of Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) during this cycle’s presidential primaries, but he also cited Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) as someone he would give his seal of approval to.
“Yes, it might,” Rounds said when asked if Trump selecting Scott might influence him to show up in Milwaukee. “If we could support his candidacy, that would be something I would really look at closely. … I don’t have any hotel rooms yet, but that doesn’t mean I won’t in the future.”
The 2016 convention in Cleveland was also marked by a series of notable absences from the Senate GOP ranks, as the event officially cemented Trump as the party’s standard-bearer. In total, more than 20 Senate Republicans stayed awayincluding some of Trump’s top supporters this time.
However, the former president’s core supporters believe times have changed and it is time for all Senate Republicans to show up in the Badger State as part of a show of unity.
“I don’t know why there would be a debate [about going]. Aren’t they worried about our country? This isn’t about the president, it’s about our country,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), the first member of the Republican Party to support Trump’s re-election campaign.
The 2020 convention was abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and held in Washington. It was initially scheduled to take place in Charlotte, NC, before restrictions forced its relocation.
One group that will be in attendance is made up of all corners of the Republican leadership, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). A spokesperson for the GOP leader confirmed he will be in Milwaukee for the RNC.
McConnell officially endorsed the former president in early March after it became clear the GOP primary fight was over, despite their frosty relationship dating back to Trump’s 2020 loss to President Biden.
Both of his potential successors — Thune and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) — also plan to attend the convention.
While the majority of Trump supporters in the Upper House are expected to travel to Milwaukee, turnout will not be unanimous in that regard.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) said that while she fully supports the former president’s return to office, the logistics of the quadrennial confab are keeping her away.
“Hotels tend to be an hour away from the event location and it is always very difficult to get in and out logistically,” Lummis said. “I’ve been to several conventions. … I prefer to watch it on television just because it’s a logistical challenge.”
Others who plan to be there, however, are excited about the four-day event that is expected to be a right-wing festival celebrating Trump.
“When they open the doors, I’ll be there,” Tuberville said. “When they close, I will leave.”
Updated at 8:13 a.m. EDT
