Origins and Early Years: The inception of CPAC can be traced back to the early 1970s, a time when the United States was experiencing significant political and social upheaval. The Vietnam War was at its height, the Watergate scandal was unraveling, and a growing discontent with the then-Democratic leadership was palpable among conservative circles. In response to this climate, a coalition of conservative activists and intellectuals, including prominent figures like Howard Phillips of the Conservative Political Action Committee and other members of the American Conservative Union (ACU), decided to create a platform for conservative thought and action.
The first CPAC was held in Washington, D.C., in January 1974, attracting around 1,500 attendees. Keynote speakers included George H. W. Bush, who was then the chairman of the Republican National Committee, and other notable conservatives. The primary goal of CPAC was to provide a space where conservative leaders could collaborate and refine their messaging, focusing on issues like free markets, limited government, and a strong national defense.
Growth through the decades and throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, CPAC experienced significant growth, both in terms of attendance and influence. The conference became a fertile ground for emerging conservative ideas and the mobilization of grassroots support—an essential element that would enable the conservative movement to gain traction against the prevailing liberalism of the time.
In 1980, with the election of Ronald Reagan, CPAC enjoyed a pivotal moment in its history. Reagan’s administration would endorse many of the principles highlighted at CPAC, further solidifying the conference’s significance. The 1980 conference saw attendance more than double, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among conservatives. It was during this time that CPAC established itself as the premier event for conservatives, providing a platform for key conservative figures to address the attendees—ranging from members of Congress to influential political pundits.
In the following decades, CPAC continued to adapt to the evolving political landscape. The 1990s saw the rise of the Republican Revolution, spearheaded by figures like Newt Gingrich, and CPAC became a hub for ideas that would resonate with the new Republican majority in Congress. Attendance soared, and the conference started to attract not only established conservative figures but also newly minted stars of the Republican Party, including Condoleezza Rice and Donald Trump, who would later become a controversial and pivotal figure in American conservatism.
The digital era and influence as the 21st century unfolded, CPAC continued to evolve. The advent of the internet and social media transformed political engagement, and CPAC embraced these changes. The organization began streaming events online, allowing audiences from all over the country to participate remotely. This adaptation significantly increased CPAC’s reach and influence, especially among younger conservatives who were more engaged in digital activism.
The 2009 CPAC was particularly notable, as it set the stage for the Tea Party movement that would dominate American politics in the next few years. The conference brought together a diverse array of conservative voices, uniting them around a common agenda of limiting government spending, reducing taxes, and promoting individual liberties. Figures like Sarah Palin and Marco Rubio emerged as significant players on the national stage, rallying grassroots support and energizing a base that felt invigorated by the rejection of the Obama administration’s policies.
However, CPAC has not been without its controversies. The conference has faced criticism for its handling of certain speakers and topics, particularly as the conservative movement has become increasingly factionalized. The rise of populist conservatism, particularly under Donald Trump, created rifts within the coalition. More traditional conservatives found themselves at odds with a new breed of populist leaders who rejected the establishment’s approach.
The 2016 CPAC was emblematic of this rift, as Donald Trump’s candidacy was met with mixed reactions among attendees. While some embraced his message, others feared that his approach could alienate moderate voters. The debate within the conservative movement intensified, raising questions about the direction CPAC would take in the future.
In 2021, CPAC faced a pivotal moment. The conference was held in Florida due to concerns over COVID-19 restrictions in Washington, D.C. The event drew both supporters and detractors, but it signaled the willingness of the conservative movement to adapt to changing circumstances. The themes of the conference focused heavily on Trump’s legacy and the future of the Republican Party, showcasing the ongoing influence of Trumpism within the broader conservative movement.
The modern era of CPAC with the 2022 conference and beyond, CPAC continued to serve as a bellwether for the conservative movement’s pulse. Attendance figures remained robust, and the media attention generated by the conference solidified its place as a cornerstone of conservative activism. The event featured a mix of leaders, including rising stars in the Republican Party, representatives from various conservative factions, and influential think tank scholars. Topics ranged from the culture wars and fiscal conservatism to critiques of “woke culture” and the administrative state.
Critics of CPAC argue that the conference has strayed from its original goals, becoming overly focused on personality politics and spectacle rather than substantive policy discussions. Supporters maintain that CPAC remains a critical venue for energizing conservatives and fostering dialogue about the future direction of the movement.
The Future of CPAC continues to navigate an increasingly polarized political environment, its future lies in its ability to adapt and respond to the changing dynamics of the American conservative movement. The challenge remains to balance the diverse voices within the coalition while maintaining its original ethos of promoting conservative principles.
The evolution of CPAC raises broader questions about the future of conservatism itself. Key issues, including economic policy, social issues, and national defense, are continually being debated. The effectiveness of CPAC in uniting various factions within the conservative movement may determine not only its future but also the trajectory of the Republican Party as a whole.
As we roll into the 2025 CPAC in Washington D.C., the Conservative Political Action Conference stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the American conservative movement. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its current status as a dominant force in American politics, CPAC has been a microcosm of the challenges and triumphs faced by conservatives in the United States. As it moves forward, CPAC will continue to play a significant role in shaping the discourse surrounding conservatism and influencing the policy agendas of tomorrow’s leaders.
