Republicans Bet on Trump at Dallas Convention Despite Risks

Republicans are converging on Dallas for their first-ever midterm convention, a two-day event designed to harness President Donald Trump's appeal to core supporters and shore up the party's congressional majorities ahead of November 3. The gathering, informally dubbed "Trumpapalooza" by Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters, underscores the party's strategy of tying its fortunes to the president.

However, the event also highlights internal divisions. Several Republicans in competitive House and Senate races are skipping the convention, wary that Trump's polarizing presence could hurt them in tight contests. Public polls show Democrats are more energized to vote, and concerns over inflation and the Iran war loom large.

"A lot of people are feeding into the narrative that things are worse off than they ever have been," said Sergio Arellano, chair of the Arizona Republican Party. "It's important that we reconnect, refresh and reenergize."

The convention, with no official party business, resembles a campaign rally. Trump will deliver the keynote Wednesday and close the event Thursday after Vice President JD Vance speaks. The party expects to fill the 20,000-seat American Airlines Center, opening attendance to the public via a free ticket lottery.

At least 16 competitive candidates are scheduled to speak, but notable absentees include Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan and Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Political analyst Matthew Wilson of Southern Methodist University noted some candidates fear the event "will be more a celebration of Trump" than a boost for the party.

Speakers will tout Trump's record on immigration, drug prices, and the 2025 tax-and-spending package, while painting Democrats as too far left. Democrats are counter-programming, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sending four lawmakers to Dallas, accusing Republicans of partying while Americans struggle with costs.

The convention also spotlights the high-profile Texas Senate race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.