Republicans convene in Texas ahead of midterms, with Trump as centerpiece
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The Republican National Committee is holding a two-day convention in Dallas, featuring President Donald Trump, as the party seeks to retain House control while some GOP lawmakers opt out of attending.
Republicans gathered in Dallas, Texas, for a two-day "midterm convention" that placed President Donald Trump at the center of the program. The event, organized by the Republican National Committee, aims to promote the party's message on lowering costs, securing the border, and prioritizing American workers and families as it seeks to hold onto its narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
Trump is scheduled to appear on both nights, despite his approval rating hovering around 38 percent. The RNC highlighted the convention as a high-profile outreach to voters less than two months before the November elections.
"We are lowering costs, securing our border, making our communities safer, and putting American workers and families first," said RNC chairman Joe Gruters.
Several Republican members of Congress, including Michigan candidate Tom Barrett and Iowa candidate Zach Nunn, announced they would not attend, citing concerns about being linked to Trump and the financial cost of participation, which reportedly requires a $25,000 contribution for a ticket. Only about 100 lawmakers and candidates are expected to be present.
Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said a contingent of Democrats would be in Dallas to "counter the falsehoods and extremism" displayed at the venue.
Confirmed attendees include Senate candidate Ken Paxton, Ohio senator JD Vance, and former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Ticket applications were initially managed through a lottery system, but the RNC later opened the sign-up page, indicating the event had not reached capacity.
The convention comes as forecasters give Republicans a slim chance of retaining the House, while Democrats aim to gain Senate seats that could limit Trump's influence during his final two years in office.