Dallas, Texas – The Republican midterm convention at the American Airlines Center turned into a lively forum for the party’s future leadership. Vice President JD Vance addressed a crowd of roughly 450 delegates from battleground states, urging Republicans to focus on the November midterm elections before turning their attention to the next presidential race.
President Trump backs Vance as a strong contender
After Vance’s remarks, President Trump praised the vice president, calling him “a very talented guy” who “did a very good job.” The president’s endorsement underscored Vance’s status as a leading name in the early conversation about the 2028 nomination.
Delegates weigh a wide field of potential candidates
While Vance received frequent mentions, the convention floor was far from settled. Attendees cited Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz as additional options. Many delegates said they were not ready to commit to any single candidate.
Rochelle Brooks, a Dallas IT manager, said she would favor DeSantis, noting that “what he’s done in Florida is a roadmap for what we need to do in America.” Meanwhile, Houston retiree Peggy Stanton expressed strong support for Rubio, praising his knowledge of international threats and his stance against communism.
Personal preferences reflect party’s diverse base
Norma Alruosan, a payroll‑tax analyst from Coppell, said she is torn between Vance and Rubio, saying she “loves Vance” because of their similar backgrounds but also admires Rubio’s willingness to speak his mind. She added that her final decision will likely hinge on whom President Trump ultimately endorses.
Bill Schneider of Frisco, Texas, suggested a joint ticket with Vance at the top and Rubio as the running mate, arguing that Vance’s current office would help continue President Trump’s policies. His wife, Tani Schneider, favored Senator Cruz, citing his Cuban‑American heritage and perspective on left‑wing governments in Latin America.
Dark‑horse names and youthful optimism
Beyond the household names, some delegates championed less‑known figures. Kimberly Moyers, director of Veterans for America First, advocated for Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, while Dina and Kevin Myers from Grand Prairie backed 32‑year‑old Representative Brandon Gill, noting his youth and desire for fresh leadership.
Anthony Johnston, a 33‑year‑old accountant from Delaware who drove 29 hours to attend, said Vance appears to be President Trump’s natural successor, emphasizing that Vance “is different than Trump. No one’s Trump, but I like him a lot.”
Party’s focus remains on winning November
Throughout the convention, the prevailing message was clear: Republicans must secure a strong showing in the 2024 midterms to preserve the momentum built over the past decade. Vance summed it up, stating, “We gotta take care of business this November and then we’ll worry about what comes next.”
Party officials, including Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming, highlighted Vance’s frequent visits to key swing states, noting his familiarity with the grassroots that helped President Trump win Wisconsin by a razor‑thin margin in 2024.
As the convention concluded, the consensus was that the field remains wide open, with the party’s next leader likely emerging after the midterm outcomes and President Trump’s eventual endorsement.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
