Republicans Grapple with Identity, Strategy Ahead of Midterms

Conservatives at CPAC debate whether ideological purity or broader appeal offers the best path to victory in upcoming elections.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:22am

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As conservatives gathered at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, the Republican Party was seen wrestling with its identity and strategy for the upcoming midterm elections. Activists debated whether the party should prioritize ideological purity or broader appeal to voters, exposing tensions between hardline conservatives, pragmatists, and those unsure of how to reconcile the two approaches.

Why it matters

The debate over the Republican Party's direction is playing out most visibly in high-profile primary contests, such as the Texas Senate race between incumbent John Cornyn and state attorney general Ken Paxton. The outcome of these races could have significant implications for the party's overall strategy and messaging heading into the midterms, as well as its ability to unite and appeal to a diverse electorate.

The details

Some conservatives argued that the party should prioritize candidates who are 'really down in the trenches with the people' rather than establishment figures, warning that ideological compromise risks diluting the party's core values. Others, however, saw that approach as a liability in competitive races, advocating for the party to broaden its appeal even as they acknowledged the tensions within that position. The debate reflected the balancing act facing many younger conservatives, who favored candidates aligned with former President Trump's 'America First' agenda while also recognizing Trump's divisive nature.

  • The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) took place this week in the Dallas area.
  • The Texas Senate primary between incumbent John Cornyn and state attorney general Ken Paxton is a key race that has become a proxy for the party's wider struggle.

The players

Petrina Bullard

A 49-year-old realtor and community health worker from Dallas who supports state attorney general Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn, arguing that Paxton is a 'genuine conservative' while Cornyn is not.

Sean O'Brien

A 20-year-old from Connecticut studying at Alabama's Auburn University who believes Republicans need to broaden their appeal, even as he favors candidates aligned with former President Trump's 'America First' agenda.

Michal Szpak

A 31-year-old from Austin who is unsure whether the Republican Party should move towards the center to attract more moderate votes or maintain its conservative base, arguing that voters' immediate concerns like rising prices could ultimately matter more in the midterms.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, Paxton, definitely. All the way. Paxton, all the way, because he is a genuine conservative. Cornyn is not. He never has been. I honestly believe he's a Democrat parading as a Republican just to get voted in.”

— Petrina Bullard, Realtor and community health worker

“I will say that we need to pivot more towards the center. I see Democrats winning more seats...possibly taking the Senate.”

— Sean O'Brien, College student

“If we want to try to get more moderate votes, we definitely should be less 'far right, conservative, Trump' and all of that. But, at the same time, we might lose people who vote for that stuff. So it's a million-dollar question. And I really don't have an answer.”

— Michal Szpak, Austin resident

What’s next

The outcome of the Texas Senate primary between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton could provide further insight into the Republican Party's direction ahead of the midterm elections.

The takeaway

The Republican Party's internal debate over its identity and strategy reflects the challenges it faces in appealing to both its conservative base and a broader electorate. As the party grapples with these tensions, the results of key primary races and the broader political landscape will shape its path forward in the midterm elections.