Republicans Plan Dallas Convention Ahead of Midterms

Republicans will hold their first midterm convention in Dallas on Sept. 9–10 at the American Airlines Center, featuring 109 officials, candidates and supporters, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Gov. Greg Abbott and Senate candidate Ken Paxton. The event is not a traditional nominating convention and will conduct no formal party business; it is intended to raise money, showcase candidates and energize the GOP base ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Republicans plan to emphasize tax cuts, including exemptions for tips and overtime, as well as border security, healthcare, public safety, energy independence, trade, education and domestic manufacturing. Trump is scheduled to deliver opening-night and closing remarks, while Vance will headline the second night; Senate candidates, congressional leaders and administration officials are also expected to participate. Some Republicans in competitive races and senior figures, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, are skipping or limiting their involvement amid concerns about Trump’s approval ratings, while the inclusion of Todd Blanche has drawn scrutiny over whether his participation could violate the Hatch Act; Dallas expects major security measures, traffic disruptions and about 20,000 attendees per night, and Democrats are planning counterevents.