Republicans Center Anti-Socialism Message at Unprecedented Dallas Midterm Convention

Republicans are holding an unprecedented two-day national midterm convention in Dallas, headlined by current President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, to energize voters and raise money ahead of congressional elections. Republican leaders are making opposition to socialism a central message, portraying Democrats and Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates as extreme, even though those candidates have won fewer than half of their congressional and statewide primaries. The convention offers Trump administration officials and emerging Republican figures a national platform, but some Republicans worry that the heavily Trump-centered spectacle could hurt vulnerable candidates amid poor polling and the historical tendency for presidents’ parties to lose seats in midterms. Democrats are countering with protests, news conferences and campaign events, arguing that high grocery costs, the war in Iran and corruption under the Trump administration have harmed Americans. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Texas Democrats urged voters to reject Republican leadership while highlighting an expanded slate of Democratic candidates and organizing efforts across the state.