CPAC Announces 2026 Speakers Including Nick Shirley, Ken Paxton, Ted Cruz

The conservative conference will feature a mix of political figures and influencers.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has announced some of the speakers for its 2026 event, set to take place from March 25-28 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas. The lineup includes YouTuber Nick Shirley, Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, conservative influencer Benny Johnson, Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchett, and Reverend Franklin Graham.

Why it matters

CPAC is one of the largest and most influential conservative political conferences in the United States, drawing thousands of attendees and featuring high-profile Republican figures. The 2026 speaker lineup reflects a mix of established political leaders and rising conservative voices, providing insight into the current state and future direction of the conservative movement.

The details

Shirley gained attention in 2024 for posting a video of himself visiting multiple Minnesota daycare centers that appeared vacant, alleging taxpayer fraud. Paxton is currently running for Senate and has said he would only drop out if the Senate passes the SAVE Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Other guests include conservative influencer Benny Johnson, Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchett, and Reverend Franklin Graham, the son of evangelical preacher Billy Graham.

  • CPAC 2026 will take place from March 25-28.
  • The conference will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas.

The players

Nick Shirley

A YouTuber who gained attention in 2024 for posting a video of himself visiting multiple Minnesota daycare centers that appeared vacant, alleging taxpayer fraud.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is currently running for Senate and has said he would only drop out if the Senate passes the SAVE Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

Ted Cruz

The Texas GOP Senator who is scheduled to speak at CPAC 2026.

Benny Johnson

A conservative influencer who is scheduled to attend CPAC 2026.

Tim Burchett

The Tennessee GOP Representative who is scheduled to speak at CPAC 2026.

Reverend Franklin Graham

The son of evangelical preacher Billy Graham, who has prayed at three U.S. presidential inaugurations, serves on the Religious Liberty Commission, and has met privately with six U.S. presidents and world leaders across multiple continents.

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What they’re saying

“'Graham has prayed at three U.S. presidential inaugurations, serves on the Religious Liberty Commission, and has met privately with six U.S. presidents and world leaders across multiple continents.'”

— Reverend Franklin Graham (CPAC website)

The takeaway

CPAC's 2026 speaker lineup reflects the continued influence of established conservative figures as well as the rise of new voices and perspectives within the conservative movement. The inclusion of figures like Nick Shirley and Ken Paxton suggests the conference is seeking to appeal to a diverse range of conservative interests and priorities.