Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is an annual gathering of conservative activists and political figures in the United States. It serves as a platform for prominent conservatives to network, discuss policy, and rally support for their agenda. CPAC is newsworthy due to its influence on the Republican Party and its role in shaping conservative discourse. Recent CPAC 2026 events in Texas revealed a generational divide over the ongoing US-Israeli war in Iran, with younger conservatives expressing disappointment and betrayal over Trump's actions. Vice President JD Vance topped the straw poll as the preferred Republican presidential candidate for 2028, while Marco Rubio made gains. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran, also addressed the conference, calling for continued pressure on Iran. CPAC's current relevance lies in its ability to gauge the mood and direction of the conservative movement, particularly regarding foreign policy and potential future leaders.