Texas Republicans Headline Final Day of CPAC

Cruz, Van Duyne, and Kennedy Jr. among speakers at conservative conference in Grapevine

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:03pm

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is wrapping up its annual gathering in Grapevine, Texas, with a lineup of prominent Texas Republicans taking the main stage on the final day. Speakers include Senator Ted Cruz, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Why it matters

CPAC is one of the most influential conservative political conferences in the country, drawing thousands of activists, politicians, and media personalities. The participation of high-profile Texas Republicans underscores the state's continued importance in national conservative politics.

The details

Saturday's CPAC lineup features several Texans, including Senator Ted Cruz, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, Congressman Brandon Gill, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The conference is being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine. On Friday, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing a Republican runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, spoke at a dinner event.

  • CPAC is being held March 26-28, 2026 in Grapevine, Texas.
  • The final day of the conference is Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Ted Cruz

A Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is a prominent conservative voice and frequent CPAC speaker.

Beth Van Duyne

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas's 24th congressional district.

Brandon Gill

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas's 5th congressional district.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and a member of the famous Kennedy political dynasty.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Attorney General of Texas who is facing a runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to fight for the conservative values that have made this country great.”

— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator

“The American people are tired of the liberal elite in Washington. It's time to take our country back.”

— Beth Van Duyne, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The results of the Republican primary runoff between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn will be closely watched, as the winner will likely face a Democratic challenger in the November general election.

The takeaway

CPAC's final day in Texas showcases the state's continued prominence in national conservative politics, with a lineup of high-profile Republican speakers rallying the party's base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.