The Republican National Committee (RNC) is holding its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday and Thursday, September 9th and 10th. The two-day event aims to energize the GOP's base and showcase President Donald Trump's vision for America, with each day focusing on different topics. Initially, Trump was slated to be the keynote speaker on the first night and Vice President JD Vance on the second, but plans changed to have Trump address the crowd on both days, delivering the keynote on night one and closing remarks on night two. Vance will give the keynote address on the second night.
Prominent speakers include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Donald Trump Jr. Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Michigan Senate nominee Mike Rogers are among the candidates featured. Other confirmed speakers include House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Senate Whip John Barrasso, along with key Senate and House campaign committee chairs. The RNC has announced over 100 speakers in total, and about 20,000 people are expected to attend.
Despite the star-studded lineup, some Republicans, particularly those in swing districts or facing tough re-election campaigns, are reportedly skipping the convention due to concerns about cost, timing, and the potential political risk of being closely associated with the president's approval numbers. For example, Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) are among those not attending. Democrats, conversely, are embracing the event as an opportunity for counter-programming, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sending a delegation to Dallas to highlight what they perceive as a contrast with Republican priorities. Various progressive groups and labor unions are also planning demonstrations.
The convention will also shine a spotlight on the Texas Senate race, where Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing a tight challenge from Democrat James Talarico. Polling averages show Talarico with a roughly 3-percentage-point lead. Trump's MAGA Inc. super PAC has injected $10 million into Texas to support Paxton, emphasizing the importance of this race. This first-of-its-kind midterm convention marks a departure from the typical four-year presidential election cycle, with the RNC framing it as a way to underscore what's at stake in the upcoming November elections.
