President Donald Trump has announced that Republicans will hold their first-ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections, an unprecedented event intended to boost turnout in races that will determine whether the party retains control of Congress. The convention is scheduled to take place in Dallas on September 9 and 10.
While both major parties traditionally hold large-scale conventions during presidential campaigns, Trump has previously suggested a similar gathering for midterm years to focus voter attention on a wide array of House and Senate races. This initiative comes as Republicans hold slim majorities in Congress, and the party in power typically loses seats in midterm elections. With Trump not on the ballot, Republican leaders are concerned about their ability to energize their base.
Trump has expressed hope that the convention will alter this dynamic, stating that the event would be used "to show the great things we have done since the Presidential Election of 2024."
The choice of Dallas as the location places a spotlight on the Texas Senate race, where Republican nominee Ken Paxton faces Democratic nominee James Talarico. Paxton, the state's attorney general, secured the Republican nomination with Trump's backing, defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the primary. Concerns have been raised by Republican Senate leadership regarding scandals surrounding Paxton, including allegations of an extramarital affair, impeachment proceedings, and a securities fraud case, which they fear could jeopardize a winnable race and divert party resources.
The convention also highlights the impact of Texas's mid-decade redistricting efforts, initiated by Trump, which aimed to increase the number of Republican seats in the upcoming elections.
The Republican National Committee began preparatory work earlier this year, amending procedures at its January winter meeting to accommodate such an event, which was previously centered around quadrennial presidential nominating conventions.
Democrats had also considered organizing a similar convention for the midterms but ultimately decided against it. However, the party did hold such conferences in the 1970s and 1980s.