Republican Party Holds Unprecedented Midterm Convention in Dallas

The Republican National Committee announced a two-day convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, scheduled for September 9 and 10. President Donald Trump will address the crowd on both evenings, with Vice President JD Vance delivering a speech on the first night and Trump closing the event on the second.

Unlike traditional national conventions that nominate presidential candidates, the Dallas gathering is being billed as a “first in American political history,” serving primarily as a campaign rally and fundraiser ahead of the November midterm elections. The RNC says the event will showcase “President Trump’s success, candidates, and causes” and provide a platform for candidates in competitive races to attract donors.

The program lists more than 100 speakers across two nights, covering topics such as tax policy, healthcare affordability, immigration, trade and domestic manufacturing. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is expected to receive prominent speaking time, with Trump stating,

"We’re going to have a lot of speakers, and the ones we want to focus on will be obviously Ken Paxton. We gotta get him elected."

While some Republican office-seekers, including Senate candidates in Michigan, Ohio and Georgia, plan to attend, others have opted out, citing concerns that association with Trump could energize opposition voters. Several Democratic lawmakers, led by House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, will travel to Dallas for counter-programming, though the Democratic National Committee is not holding its own convention due to financial constraints.

Polls show Trump’s approval rating hovering in the low-30s percent range, a decline from his early-term levels, raising questions about the convention’s ability to sway voter turnout. The event also coincides with the opening week of the NFL season and scheduled memorials for the September 11 attacks, factors that could affect viewership.