Senator Susan Collins opts out of upcoming Republican midterm convention in Dallas

Sen. Susan Collins has decided not to travel to Dallas for the inaugural Republican midterm convention, a choice. Historically, Collins avoids attending conventions while she is up for re-election, focusing on maintaining her flawless Senate voting attendance since 1997. The Senate will be out of session next week, and she recently declined an invitation to Vice President JD Vance’s rally in Brewer, Maine, due to other obligations.

Former New Hampshire Republican Sen. John Sununu is also expected to skip the event, with his primary against former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown set for the day before the convention starts. The convention coincides with the NFL’s opening game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, creating additional scheduling conflicts. In the tight Maine Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson holds a slight lead over Collins according to data.