Republicans Offer Free Tickets to Boost Attendance at Trump Midterm Convention
Party officials are distributing complimentary tickets and using a lottery to fill the Dallas venue for Donald Trump's midterm gathering, as many GOP candidates and lawmakers choose not to attend.
Republican organizers are giving away free tickets to a two-day midterm convention in Dallas in an effort to fill the American Airlines Center, which seats about 21,000. The event, dubbed “Trump-a-Palooza,” has faced low expected attendance from GOP lawmakers and candidates, many of whom are focusing on competitive races.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) launched a public lottery that promises VIP treatment for a limited number of winners and has sent unsolicited text messages advertising free seats. Party operatives were also urged to distribute tickets within their networks.
Ticket packages originally cost up to $20,000 and included perks such as “honorary delegate” status and floor access. The RNC later opened the lottery and announced that a small group of winners would receive front-row seats.
The convention is being held in Texas partly to aid Senate candidate Ken Paxton, whose race has tightened despite the state's Republican lean. Attendance by high-profile figures appears limited; the White House confirmed First Lady Melania Trump will not be present.
Fundraising efforts are also underway. The RNC is soliciting $250,000 donations for a roundtable with Donald Trump and $88,600 for a photo, while a similar event with Vice President JD Vance is priced at $75,000 with photos at $35,000.
The speaker lineup includes 109 names over two days, featuring Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The inclusion of Attorney General Todd Blanche has raised questions about compliance with the Hatch Act, which restricts federal employees from partisan political activity.
"President Donald Trump and Republicans have delivered historic results for the American people, and every hour of this historic convention will tell that story," RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement.
"The Greatest RALLY of them all," Trump posted on his social platform, adding that the event would highlight the party's victories.
RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft previously said the gathering is expected to be larger than the 2024 Republican convention in Milwaukee and the biggest midterm convention since 2016.