Donald Trump will serve as the primetime headliner on both nights of the Republican National Committee's (RNC) inaugural midterm convention, scheduled to take place this week in Dallas. The convention aims to energize the GOP's base less than two months before the midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Trump is slated to deliver the keynote address on Wednesday evening, with his remarks tentatively scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET. He is also scheduled to close out the convention on Thursday evening after Vice President JD Vance delivers the second night's keynote speech. This gathering marks the first time Republicans have convened a midterm convention, a concept floated by Trump the previous year to highlight policy achievements.
The convention comes as Republicans defend slim majorities in the House and Senate against what they describe as energized Democratic opposition. Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters stated that the convention will spotlight a "leftward lurch" by Democrats and tie the party to "far-left and socialist proposals," contrasting this with Republicans' goal to "launch the golden age of America."
The Democratic National Committee (DNC), which is reportedly in debt and opted against holding a similar convention, criticized the RNC's event. DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer called it a "multi-million dollar celebration" to appease Trump and link candidates to his "failed agenda," arguing that Americans are more concerned with "lower costs and affordable healthcare."
The convention will also feature addresses from Republican candidates in competitive midterm races. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, running to replace Sen. John Cornyn, is scheduled to speak Wednesday. On Thursday, Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and Georgia Rep. Mike Collins are slated to address the attendees, as is former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan. In the House races, incumbents and candidates in close contests, including Reps. Monica De La Cruz, Derrick Van Orden, Rob Bresnahan, and Ryan Mackenzie, along with candidates Mike LiPetri and Jay Feely, will also speak.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to speak Thursday evening. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, though not listed on the initial speaker list, is expected to be in Dallas to assist with Senate candidate fundraising. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz are also scheduled to speak on Thursday.
Former members of Trump's cabinet will also participate, with Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaking Wednesday, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. scheduled for Thursday.