GOP senators to join Trump for Mar-a-Lago dinner ahead of campaign wing retreat

Most of the Senate Republican conference will be gathering for a special dinner with President Donald Trump at his luxurious Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday evening. The lawmakers are gearing up for a weekend campaign retreat, with many of them also attending the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) retreat in Florida to prepare for the 2026 midterm election cycle.

The dinner between Trump and the GOP senators has been confirmed by multiple sources to Fox News Digital. The gathering at Mar-a-Lago is a significant event, as it symbolizes the party’s unity and collaboration in preparation for the upcoming elections.

While most of the GOP conference will be present at Trump’s dinner, there are a few notable exceptions. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who has had a strained relationship with Trump in the past, will not be attending. Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump for allegedly inciting the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, will be having dinner with his daughter who lives in the area.

Senator Cassidy, who is up for re-election in 2026, will be joining his colleagues at the NRSC retreat for the rest of the weekend. The Louisiana Republican faces potential primary challenges from the right, despite his state not being likely to pick a Democrat in the upcoming election.

Moderate Senator Susan Collins of Maine, whose race is expected to be one of the most competitive for the NRSC this cycle, did not provide comment on her attendance at the Mar-a-Lago dinner. Collins, known for her moderate Republican views, will be crucial in defending the party’s seats in key states like Maine and North Carolina.

Republicans are gearing up to defend crucial Senate seats in North Carolina and Maine, while also eyeing potential gains in swing states like Georgia and Michigan. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia is seeking re-election for the first time in a swing state, while Michigan is losing the incumbent advantage with Senator Gary Peters announcing that he will not be running again.

The NRSC retreat and the dinner at Mar-a-Lago are pivotal events for the Republican Party as they strategize and coordinate their efforts for the 2026 midterm elections. The party’s unity and collaboration will be crucial in maintaining and expanding their majority in the Senate.