Where are they? The Republicans who skipped their national convention.

Social media tells all.
 By 
Peter Allen Clark
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If last night's contentious display at the Republican National Convention proved anything, it's that this year's GOP nominating process is remarkably watchable.

But there were many Republicans who wanted to stay far away.

Agreeing with Ted Cruz and those in the #NeverTrump movement, many prominent GOP leaders from the House, Senate and beyond chose to spend these four days away from Cleveland. They did not want to get anywhere close to the newly nominated Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump.


You May Also Like

Past leaders of the party, a full 18 Republican senators and three out of the four former GOP presidential candidates either made up excuses for why they couldn't go or just said they were unavailable.

But social media tells all.

Looking around at politicians' social media accounts, it was interesting to see what they would rather do than cheer on the prospect of a Trump presidency

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey would rather grab some Chick-fil-A.

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse would rather tend to his corn field.

Pennsylvania Rep. Ryan Costello would rather hang out with some cows.

New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte would rather go to the beach.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul would rather have a great time at the Possum Trot Quickmart.

Arizona Sen. John McCain would rather see the Grand Canyon.

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake would rather mow his lawn.

Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick would rather go golfing.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune would rather get a Blizzard at the DQ.

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman would rather build a house.

Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran would rather go to the fair.

Montana Sen. Steve Daines would rather go fishing.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski would, also, rather go fishing.

Between all the coverage of Melania Trump's plagiarism, Ted Cruz going rogue and Trump trying to smooch his running mate, they probably know everything that happened anyway.

Hope you caught some big ones!

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Mashable Image
Peter Allen Clark

I have done neat stuff all over these United States from sailing lessons on the Puget Sound to motorcycle maintenance on the backroads of upstate New York. My professional experience extends from newspaper reporting in the mountains of Eastern Oregon to fixing espresso machines throughout Kentucky. I also have kept a cat alive for 10 years.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Seth Meyers calls out Trump and Republicans clashing over the word 'war'
Seth Meyers presents "Late Night" beside an image of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth.


National Popcorn Day 2026 deals: How to get free popcorn on Jan. 19
Overflowing Movie theater popcorn bucket in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, United States


Score free chili at Wendy's for National Chili Day — how to claim yours today
Close-up view of a Wendy's retail location. Wendy's is an international fast food restaurant chain

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!