Republicans Launch First-Ever Midterm Convention in Dallas

President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) will hold the first-ever national midterm convention on September 9 and 10 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The event is designed as a high-energy rally to mobilize the GOP base and support candidates ahead of the November 3 elections, specifically to defend narrow House majorities and support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a competitive U.S. Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.

Originally announced by Paxton in June, the convention was later formally detailed by Trump. The two-day program features 109 items, including a keynote by Vice President JD Vance on the first night and a closing keynote by Trump on the second. The agenda focuses on the America First agenda, border security, tax relief, and the Make America Healthy Again initiative, while omitting foreign policy and the war in Iran. The RNC has raised between $42 million and $45 million for the event, which expects 30,000 attendees.

Local Dallas officials have expressed concern over the financial burden, estimating police security costs at $1.8 million amid a $30 million city budget deficit. While the city may seek reimbursement, officials noted that the Secret Service historically does not reimburse for protectees. Democrats have dismissed the event as a circus, with Texas Democratic Chair Kendall Scudder suggesting the location indicates GOP anxiety over internal polling in Texas.