Trump hosts dinner for battleground Republicans ahead of midterms: "We are going to be helping you"

Several Republicans facing competitive midterm elections have announced they will skip the Republican Midterm Convention set to take place in Dallas, Texas next week. The convention, which will highlight President Donald Trump's record, comes at a time when he faces low approval ratings and a negative political environment.

Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa, who is up for re-election in a key House district Democrats hope to flip, said he will be in his district while the convention is happening. Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani will also miss the convention because of a scheduled debate on the second night. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who is defending his seat in Pennsylvania, is still undecided about attending the convention, citing the need for more information about the event's schedule.

Other Republicans, such as Rep. Lauren Boebert and Sen. Susan Collins, are also undecided about attending the convention. The convention will see roughly 100 House Republican members and candidates in attendance, which is about half of the House GOP and candidates running for reelection. Despite the absence of some key congressional members, GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who is running for reelection in Wisconsin, will attend the convention, describing it as an opportunity to discuss the party's achievements over the past year and a half.