GOP Launches Historic First Midterm Convention in Dallas

DALLAS — The Republican Party inaugurated its first-ever midterm convention on Wednesday, bringing President Donald Trump and delegates from across the nation together in Dallas, Texas. The two-day event is designed to unify the party slate and promote the administration’s legislative agenda as the November elections approach.

President Trump is scheduled to deliver the keynote address during the opening session on Wednesday evening. Before departing Joint Base Andrews, Trump told reporters he anticipates a “tremendous crowd” at the American Airlines Center, which has a capacity of up to 20,000 attendees.

When questioned by ABC News’ Mary Bruce about prominent Republicans in competitive races who chose not to attend, Trump suggested that logistical constraints, rather than reluctance, were the primary factor. “We have room for the ones that have a close race if they’re slightly behind or slightly ahead or tied, but we don’t have rooms for people that are 35 points up and don’t need to be there,” Trump said, adding, “we don’t have room for 500 politicians.”

The official speaker lineup includes key congressional figures such as House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso. Several candidates in pivotal swing races are also set to speak, including Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton and Georgia Senate candidate Rep. Mike Collins. Members of Trump’s Cabinet, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, will also address the convention.

Democratic reaction was swift. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender, held a press conference with Texas Democrats, characterizing the GOP event as a diversion from economic hardships. “Donald Trump is hoping that a flashy primetime event will make you forget that his trade war is killing costs for families at the grocery store,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker also drew parallels to the previous year’s redistricting battles in Texas, where Democratic legislators left the state to block a vote on new congressional maps. He praised Texas Democrats for setting an example of resistance, while deflecting direct questions about his own future political ambitions, though he criticized convention attendees as being motivated by loyalty to Trump.

The Republican National Committee stated that the convention would articulate a “clear and bold plan” for the party’s continued work following the November elections.