Updated Jul 14, 2020 - Politics & Policy

At least 7 Republican senators say they will not attend GOP convention

Sen. Lisa Murkowski on June 30.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski in June. Photo: Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images

At least seven GOP senators have said they will not attend next month's Republican National Convention in Jacksonville, Fla., and more are rethinking their visits.

Why it matters: For some, like 86-year-old Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 80-year-old Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the decision not to attend underscores broader concerns about holding mass gatherings in the coronavirus era. For others, like Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), the nominating convention for President Trump is politically unsavory.

Full list:

What to watch: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described the RNC's timing during a pandemic "a challenging situation," and he said he will determine in late August whether the convention will be safe.

  • Sen Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) said Thursday he's considering not attending, WISN reports.

The big picture: New coronavirus cases in Florida have surged in recent weeks, with the state reporting over 15,000 new cases in a single day last weekend.

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