President Donald Trump and Republican leaders are convening in Dallas for the party's inaugural midterm convention, aiming to galvanize support for candidates and highlight the administration's platform just 55 days before the crucial midterm elections. The Republican National Committee stated the event will outline "a clear and bold plan of the work [it] will continue to do on behalf of the hard-working and patriotic Americans after we achieve victory in November."
Key themes and policy discussions at the convention include the Trump administration's tax legislation, actions at the southern border, immigration policies, and economic initiatives such as efforts to lower drug prices. The event also provides a platform for Republican candidates running in down-ballot races.
Despite the gathering, several notable Republican candidates in competitive races that could determine control of the House and Senate are not attending the convention. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled as keynote speakers, with Trump delivering his address on the first night and Vance speaking on the second. Several cabinet members, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, are also set to speak. Congressional leadership such as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso are also on the speaker list.
However, prominent figures like first lady Melania Trump will not attend. Republican Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, both running in toss-up races, are also skipping the event. Nunn stated he would be working in his district during the convention. Roughly 100 House Republican members and candidates are expected to be present.
The convention takes place as President Trump's approval rating stands at 33%, its lowest point in either of his terms, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The administration faces additional challenges including the war with Iran and economic instability, with many Americans reporting persistent struggles with the cost of goods and living.
The Republican National Committee is using the convention as a fundraising opportunity. Invitations obtained by ABC News indicate that Trump will participate in a donor roundtable with a $250,000 per person cost, including an additional fee for a photo opportunity. A separate roundtable featuring Vance carries a $75,000 participation fee.
The event coincides with the start of the NFL season and occurs near the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, raising concerns among Republicans about potential voter viewership. In response, House Democrats, led by Leader Hakeem Jeffries, announced plans to send a delegation to Dallas to highlight their efforts on affordability. Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is organizing a grocery drive as counterprogramming to the GOP convention.
Republicans have not previously held a midterm convention, though Democrats did so in the 1970s.