GOP Holds First Midterm Convention in Dallas, With Trump at the Center

DALLAS (VINnews) — Republicans are bringing thousands of supporters to Dallas this week for the party’s first-ever midterm convention, an unusual strategy that places President Donald Trump at the center of a national push to energize voters before November’s elections.

The two-night gathering at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday and Thursday is intended to drive turnout in key House and Senate races that will determine whether the GOP keeps control of Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump plans to make the stakes unmistakable.

“This is not a midterm like any other, because we actually have a competition against communism now, and that’s a very serious thing. It’s going to animate voters coast to coast,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the president will look into the camera at the end of his remarks and declare, “I am on the ballot,” even though Trump’s name will not appear on any ballot.

“We need his base to turn out,” Johnson said.

Republicans are betting that Trump’s coalition, his agenda and his political pull can help candidates overcome the historical midterm challenges that typically face a president’s party.

Trump is scheduled to appear both nights. Vice President JD Vance is also expected to play a prominent role. Party officials have described the event as a historic departure from past midterm cycles, when conventions were reserved for presidential years.