The Republican National Committee finished its historic midterm convention Thursday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The two‑day gathering focused on the party’s strategy and messaging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, emphasizing policies that support families, secure the border, promote energy independence and lower health‑care costs.
Key speakers and schedule
The Thursday lineup began at 3:00 p.m. Central with RNC Chair Joe Gruters, Host Committee President Heather Washburne, Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church Dallas, and a slate of congressional candidates and everyday Americans representing law‑enforcement, veterans, parents and small‑business owners.
From 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the stage featured candidates such as Marty O’Donnell (NV‑03), Derek Merrin (OH‑09), Rep. Lisa McClain, Rep. Richard Hudson, a Navy spouse sharing a TrumpRx success story, and Texas officials including Sen. Ted Cruz.
At 5:00 p.m., Speaker Mike Johnson, 56th Speaker of the U.S. House, delivered remarks, followed by a tribute to activist Charlie Kirk, a Senate hopeful from Michigan and Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.
The 6:00 p.m. hour highlighted Rep. Mike Lawler with a group of Angel Parents, a tribute to the 25th anniversary of September 11, and a presentation by Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel to Towers, alongside a truck‑driver advocating roadway safety.
From 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the program included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a small‑business owner and Donald Trump Jr.
The final hour, 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featured Vice President JD Vance delivering the keynote address. Vance, the 50th Vice President of the United States, outlined the GOP’s vision for the upcoming midterms, stressing the importance of family tax relief, strong border enforcement, and policies that keep energy costs low for American households.
President Trump’s closing remarks
President Donald Trump closed the convention with a rallying speech that praised the party’s grassroots momentum and warned that a Democratic majority would threaten the Constitution, family values and individual liberty. He reiterated his commitment to protecting religious freedom, supporting traditional families and defending the nation’s borders.
Trump also highlighted recent economic indicators that the administration says show continued growth, noting that job creation remains strong and inflation pressures are easing. He urged voters to turn out in 2026 to keep the GOP’s agenda moving forward.
Local impact
Dallas businesses benefited from the influx of delegates, media and supporters, with hotels reporting near‑full occupancy and local restaurants seeing a surge in patronage. The event also provided a platform for Texas leaders, including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Governor Greg Abbott, to showcase the state’s role in the national conversation.
ABC News will provide curated highlights and analysis of the convention’s defining moments, offering viewers a concise recap of the speeches and policy priorities without continuous coverage.
For those interested in the Democratic side of the political dialogue, news conferences hosted by the Texas Democratic Party are also taking place in Dallas.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
