New York GOP delegation relegated to rear seats at Dallas midterm convention

During the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas, the New York delegation was seated in the left rear corner of the American Airlines Center, a downgrade from the front-row spots it secured in earlier conventions. Despite the less favorable placement, David Laska, the New York state GOP communications director, highlighted that Rep. Mike Lawler and House candidate Mike LiPetri would still speak at the event and stressed the goal of retaining a House majority and unseating Governor Kathy Hochul.

An RNC representative explained that seating was determined by a “game of Tetris,” matching the number of attendees each state contributed, and insisted no state was being targeted. Florida, home to President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, retained front-row seats reserved for “Front Row Joes,” Trump's most ardent supporters. The convention, billed as a fundraiser and voter-energizing rally ahead of the November midterms, features honorary delegate tickets priced from $7,500 to $20,000, with no formal voting role for attendees.