Republicans are gathering in Dallas this week for a two-day convention, an event conceived by former President Donald Trump to rally supporters and boost enthusiasm for the upcoming midterm elections. This marks the first time the Republican Party has held a midterm convention, an initiative Trump envisioned to emulate the large-scale presidential nominating conventions typically held every four years.
Organizers stated the convention is intended to help propel the party's candidates into the November elections and will also highlight the first two years of Trump's term. Trump has expressed confidence that campaigning on his administration's record will best position Republicans for success.
Unlike quadrennial presidential nominating conventions, this event will not involve nominations, as those have already been determined through primary contests. The convention is open to the public, which may lend it the feel of a Trump rally. More than 100 Republican House members and candidates are expected to attend. Tickets and lodging for attendees were priced at $25,000.
Former President Trump is scheduled to speak each night, delivering a keynote address on Wednesday and appearing again on Thursday following a speech by Vice President JD Vance. The lineup of speakers includes members of Trump's Cabinet, such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, along with Attorney General Todd Blanche, Donald Trump Jr., and former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton and Michigan Senate nominee Mike Rogers are also slated to address the attendees, as are House Speaker Mike Johnson and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Additionally, individuals who have benefited from Trump's policies are expected to share their experiences.
Each night is planned to feature more than 50 speakers or presentations, with remarks kept brief for online sharing. Trump has promoted the event as a rally with significant entertainment.
A key focus of the convention will be the promotion of Republican candidates, including Ken Paxton, the Texas Senate hopeful. Trump has publicly supported Paxton, who won his primary despite facing years of scandals. The former president has described Paxton as a capable candidate who could be a beatable opponent for Democrats in Texas.
The program is largely centered on Trump's agenda, encompassing his policies on immigration, efforts to reduce prescription drug costs, tax cuts, and tariffs. Speakers are expected to present a partisan case against Democrats, with many anticipated to echo Trump's rhetoric characterizing Democrats as communists.