CPAC has long been regarded as a destination for conservative voters to network and organize. The 2026 iteration of the conference took place in Dallas on March 28, marking a significant moment for the Republican Party.

This year, former President Donald Trump did not attend CPAC for the first time in a decade, a notable absence that has raised eyebrows among attendees and observers alike. His absence comes in the context of the U.S. beginning strikes against Iran just one month prior to the event, a development that has sparked varied reactions within the party.

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that nearly 80% of Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the war in Iran. However, this approval is not universal; younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents have shown decreased support for Trump regarding the conflict.

During his speech at CPAC, Representative Matt Gaetz criticized the war in Iran, stating, “A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe.” His remarks reflect a growing divide within Trump’s historically loyal base, particularly among those who feel betrayed by his foreign policy decisions.

Despite the contentious atmosphere, CPAC 2026 featured fewer candidates treating it as a campaign stop compared to previous years. The lineup included many new faces in the conservative movement, suggesting a shift in focus and priorities within the party.

The conference concentrated on Trump’s key policy priorities, culture war issues, and illegal immigration, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these topics in the current political landscape. However, Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36%, its lowest since his return to the White House, indicating potential challenges ahead.

Polling data from Reuters/Ipsos revealed that 74% of Republicans supported the strikes on Iran, yet the war has caused notable divides among party members. For instance, Harry Strine III, an attendee, expressed strong support for Israel, stating, “Israel is God’s people.”

As the Republican Party navigates these internal divisions, observers are keen to see how the dynamics will evolve leading up to future elections. The sentiments expressed at CPAC 2026 may signal a pivotal moment for the party as it grapples with its identity and direction in a changing political landscape.

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“Eligible voters should not be disenfranchised just because the postal service cannot be relied upon to deliver ballots promptly,” said Deb O’Malley, highlighting the ongoing debate over mail-in voting in the United States.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case that could reshape the rules surrounding late-arriving mail-in ballots. The case, Watson v. Republican National Committee, has drawn attention as it could potentially back a Republican effort to halt states from counting these ballots.

In Massachusetts, mail-in ballots are accepted up to three days after Election Day if they are postmarked by that day. This grace period is part of a broader trend, as nearly 30 states have similar provisions allowing late-arriving ballots to be counted. However, the Republican Party argues that the definition of an election should hinge on when ballots must be received.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson emphasized that decisions about ballot deadlines rest with Congress and the states, stating, “I think we have several federal statutes that suggest that Congress was aware of post-Election Day ballot deadlines that the states had enacted.”

Voting by mail has seen a decline since its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet approximately 30% of voters utilized this method in the 2024 elections. Despite former President Donald Trump’s long-standing opposition to mail-in voting, citing concerns over fraud, documented instances of such fraud remain rare, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Trump himself voted by mail in a Florida state representative special election on March 24, 2026, further complicating the narrative surrounding mail-in ballots.

Paul Clement, representing the Republican National Committee, warned that if late-arriving ballots could alter the outcome of an election, “the losers are not going to accept that result.”

Massachusetts also allows a 10-day grace period for ballots mailed from overseas, reflecting the state’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in elections.

The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter is expected by June 2026, which could have significant implications for how elections are conducted across the country.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing voter access with the integrity of election outcomes.

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Emily Gregory has emerged victorious in a special election held on March 24, 2026, for Florida’s 87th state house district. This election is notable not only for Gregory’s win but also for the context in which it occurred, as she defeated Republican candidate Jon Maples, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

The election results showed Gregory leading by a narrow margin of 2 percentage points, a significant turnaround considering that the seat was previously held by a Republican who won by 19 percentage points in the 2024 election. The seat became available after the former occupant, GOP State Representative Mike Caruso, was appointed to a county clerk position by Governor Ron DeSantis.

In her campaign, Gregory focused on affordability issues, notably addressing the rising cost of living, including gas prices which she mentioned had reached $4 per gallon. This approach resonated with voters, contrasting with Maples’ campaign, which was heavily influenced by Trump’s endorsement. Despite Trump’s vocal criticism of mail-in voting, he himself voted by mail in this election.

The Democratic Party hailed Gregory’s victory as an “earth-shattering victory for Florida Democrats,” indicating a potential shift in the political landscape of the state. Heather Williams, a prominent figure in the party, remarked that if Mar-a-Lago is vulnerable, it could signal further Democratic successes in the upcoming midterms.

Gregory, a first-time lawmaker with a background in public health, runs a fitness center for pregnant and postpartum women. Her victory is seen as a referendum on the performance of national Republicans, with various party leaders interpreting the results as a clear message from voters seeking change. Ken Martin, a Democratic strategist, stated, “Donald Trump’s own neighbors just sent a crystal clear message: They are furious and ready for change.”

Shaughnessy Naughton, another Democratic leader, emphasized that Gregory’s win was due to Floridians’ trust in her ability to make decisions based on evidence rather than ideology. This sentiment reflects a broader trend where Democrats have flipped 29 districts since Trump’s election, indicating a growing discontent with Republican leadership in certain areas.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Gregory’s victory may serve as a bellwether for upcoming elections, particularly as the Democratic Party seeks to capitalize on this momentum. The implications of this election will likely be felt in the lead-up to the midterms, as both parties reassess their strategies in light of the changing voter sentiments in Florida.

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Joe Kent has resigned as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, a position he held for less than eight months. His resignation, announced on social media platform X, marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over U.S. military involvement in the Iran war. Kent’s departure is notable not only for its timing but also for the strong statements he made regarding U.S. foreign policy.

In his resignation letter, Kent expressed his inability to support the ongoing war in Iran, stating, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.” He further claimed that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and criticized the influence of Israel on U.S. foreign policy, asserting that the war was initiated due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

Kent’s military background is significant; he completed 11 combat deployments as a former soldier with the U.S. Army Special Forces. His personal experiences, particularly the loss of his wife, Shannon Kent, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria in 2019, have shaped his views on military intervention. This context adds depth to his resignation and the concerns he raised.

His resignation is the highest-profile rebuke of the Iran war from within the Trump administration, highlighting a division among Republicans regarding military engagement in the Middle East. Kent’s confirmation by the Senate was a narrow one, passing with a vote of 52 to 44, indicating that his views may not align with the broader party consensus.

Reactions to Kent’s resignation have been mixed. Donald Trump, the former president, remarked that he always thought Kent was weak on security, stating, “I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security.” This comment reflects the tension within the party regarding national security and foreign policy strategies.

Conversely, some supporters have defended Kent’s stance. Tucker Carlson, a prominent media figure, praised Kent, saying, “Joe is the bravest man I know, and he can’t be dismissed as a nut.” This support underscores the complexities of the political landscape surrounding military intervention and the differing opinions within the Republican Party.

As the situation evolves, Kent’s resignation may prompt further discussions about U.S. military policy in the region and the influence of foreign nations on American decisions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the immediate implications of his resignation on the National Counterterrorism Center and U.S. foreign policy moving forward.

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Before the recent developments, Neal Dunn, a Republican congressman from Florida, was expected to continue his political career, having represented Florida’s 2nd Congressional District since 2017. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when Donald Trump announced Dunn’s terminal heart diagnosis during a press conference on March 16, 2026.

Trump’s revelation was alarming, as he stated that Dunn could be dead by June due to his condition. This unexpected announcement brought Dunn’s health issues into the public eye, which had previously been unknown. Dunn, who is 73 years old, had already announced earlier in 2026 that he would not seek re-election, but the urgency of his health situation has now intensified concerns.

Following Trump’s announcement, Dunn underwent a lengthy operation where he received additional stents, marking a critical moment in his battle with health challenges. The operation lasted two hours, and Dunn’s recovery has been closely monitored by both his family and political colleagues.

Mike Johnson, a fellow Republican, praised Dunn’s resilience, stating, “The man has a new lease on life. He acts like he’s 30 years younger.” Johnson described Dunn as a “real champion and a patriot” for continuing to work despite his health struggles. This sentiment reflects the respect Dunn commands within his party.

However, Dunn’s health issues are part of a broader trend, with 30 incumbent Republicans planning to leave the House, raising alarms about the GOP’s slim two-vote majority. Dunn’s decision not to seek re-election could jeopardize Republican control, especially given the Cook Political Report’s rating that leans GOP by just 8 points in Dunn’s district.

Trump’s intervention, which included connecting Dunn with White House doctors for treatment, highlights the intertwining of personal health and political dynamics. Dunn expressed gratitude to Trump, stating, “I did it for him first and for the vote second,” indicating the complex motivations behind political support.

As Dunn navigates his health challenges, the implications for the Republican Party remain significant. The potential loss of his seat could further complicate the GOP’s efforts to maintain control of the House in an already precarious political environment.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of Dunn’s recovery and its impact on the upcoming elections. The situation continues to evolve, as both Dunn and the Republican Party face uncertain futures.

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The MAGA coalition has contained various factions including nationalist hawks and neo-isolationists. J.D. Vance, a prominent figure within this coalition, has emerged as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028. His views on military engagement, particularly regarding Iran, have drawn attention amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Recently, Donald Trump remarked that Vance holds a different philosophical view on the war in Iran, indicating a divergence from more hawkish elements within the party. Vance has expressed hesitance about launching U.S. airstrikes alongside Israel, a stance that contrasts with traditional Republican support for aggressive military action.

Vance’s Position on Military Engagement

Despite his cautious approach, Vance has publicly backed Trump since the onset of the military operation in Iran. He articulated his support in a 2023 opinion piece, stating, “I know he won’t recklessly send Americans to fight overseas.” This statement underscores Vance’s alignment with the ‘America First’ movement, which prioritizes national interests and a more restrained foreign policy.

Vance has also emphasized the importance of having a clear objective in military operations. He compared the current situation to previous U.S. engagements, noting, “If you think back to Afghanistan, 20 years of mission creep, 20 years (of) not having a clear objective and 20 years (of) the United States trying to bring liberal democracy to Afghanistan.” He believes that the current military operation in Iran is distinct due to its defined goals.

Reactions and Future Implications

Trump characterized the military operation in Iran as a “short-term excursion,” suggesting a limited scope for U.S. involvement. Vance echoed this sentiment, stating there was “no chance” the United States would become embroiled in a prolonged conflict similar to Iraq. His comments reflect a broader concern among some Republicans about the potential for mission creep in military engagements.

As the situation develops, observers are keen to see how Vance’s views will influence the Republican Party’s stance on foreign policy leading into the 2028 election. His approach may resonate with a segment of the electorate that favors a more cautious military strategy, potentially reshaping the party’s narrative on international conflicts.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact implications of Vance’s position on the party’s future direction. However, his alignment with Trump’s foreign policy decisions and his emphasis on clear military objectives suggest a significant evolution in Republican thought on military intervention.

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