Vice President JD Vance's address at the inaugural Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas was momentarily disrupted Thursday when a heckler carrying a Mexican flag began shouting "Free Palestine." The incident occurred as Vance was delivering remarks to an audience of over 20,000 attendees at the two-day event.

Vance responded directly to the protester, stating, "what the people at home missed is that we just had a protester interrupting us and waving the Mexican flag." He then addressed the heckler, saying, "well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your ass over there! I'll buy you a plane ticket."

The convention, held at the American Airlines Center, featured several prominent Republican figures, including potential 2028 presidential contenders. Texas Senator Ted Cruz also spoke on the main stage.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend, reportedly being in Peru, some convention attendees expressed a desire for him to run in 2028, with some suggesting a Vance-Rubio ticket. However, opinions on a preferred ticket order varied, and one attendee indicated a preference for Senator Cruz over Vance.

Several Republican candidates competing in competitive races this fall, such as Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Ashley Hinson (Iowa), and John E Sununu (New Hampshire), were not on the main stage, with prognosticators anticipating a challenging fight for the House of Representatives and a close contest for Senate control.

Other speakers included US Senate nominees Ken Paxton (Texas), Michael Whatley (North Carolina), and Mike Collins (Georgia), along with incumbent Ohio Senator Jon Husted. Members of Trump's cabinet, including Brooke Rollins, Scott Bessent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Attorney General Todd Blanche, were also on the convention agenda.

The convention also included a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September 2025. Former President Donald Trump honored Kirk and his wife Erika, condemning his murder and those who "made an excuse for it or cheered for it."

Additionally, the programming acknowledged the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11, which falls on Friday.