CPAC 2023 Sees Major Absences from GOP Candidates

This year’s CPAC is missing many prominent figures from the Republican presidential arena. Typically, this event acts as a crucial platform for candidates seeking to solidify their standing with the party’s grassroots supporters.

Senator Ted Cruz, a veteran Republican with aspirations for the presidency, is making the most of this opportunity to capture attention.

Former President Trump is not expected to be there, as he is scheduled to speak at the Saudi-backed Future Investment Initiative Summit in Miami before heading to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend.

The two frontrunners eyeing Trump’s former position—Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—are preoccupied with the ongoing situation in Iran. Interestingly, the president had extended the deadline for Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials have shown interest in having Mr. Vance lead negotiations after prior talks fell through. He recently traveled back to Washington, D.C., after taking part in fundraising events in Austin and Dallas for the Republican National Committee.

This year, the event is taking place in Grapevine, Texas—a departure from its usual Washington, D.C. location. While many Republican members of Congress were aware of the event, only a handful attended. A number were tied up in Washington as sessions unfolded regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA.

Cruz, known for rallying CPAC attendees, has secured a key speaking slot for Saturday. He notably bested both Trump and Rubio during the 2016 Iowa caucuses. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is also set to take the stage.

The annual “straw poll,” which gauges the candidates generating excitement among attendees, is scheduled for release on Saturday.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, currently navigating a tumultuous Senate primary runoff against Senator John Cornyn, received an honor at the organization’s Ronald Reagan Presidential Dinner on Friday night. He was seen at Mar-a-Lago the week prior.

Cornyn, perhaps sensing the vibe at the event, opted not to attend, citing his responsibilities in the Senate. Notably, Trump did not endorse either candidate for the runoff by the deadline.

It’s worth mentioning that the Trump family has been central figures at CPAC in the past, but they also have no plans to make an appearance this year.