Dallas will host the Republican Party’s midterm convention this week, a gathering that President Donald Trump has described as a “RALLY like none other.” The event, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, features 109 speakers, including the president, Vice President JD Vance, and senior members of the Trump administration.
Administration and Party Leaders on the Stage
President Trump will open the convention on Wednesday night and close it on Thursday, underscoring his central role in setting the party’s agenda. Vice President Vance is slated as the Thursday keynote speaker. Senior officials also will address the crowd: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, and Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Party leadership is well represented. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, though not listed as a speaker, is expected to attend and support fundraising efforts. House leadership—including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Conference Chair Lisa McClain, and NRCC Chair Richard Hudson—have secured speaking slots. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso and NSRC Chair Tim Scott will also take the podium.
Key GOP Candidates Attending
Several competitive 2026 candidates are banking on the national exposure. In the House, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY‑17), Derrick Van Orden (WI‑03), Monica De La Cruz (TX‑15), Ryan Mackenzie (PA‑07) and Rob Bresnahan (PA‑08) will speak. Senate battleground hopefuls include Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Georgia Rep. Mike Collins, former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers, and former RNC Chair Michael Whatley, who is running in North Carolina.
Gubernatorial representation comes from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, seeking a historic fourth term, and Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who aims to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Notable Absences
A handful of vulnerable incumbents have chosen to stay on the campaign trail rather than attend. House members Maria Elvira Salazar (FL‑27), Tom Barrett (MI‑07), Juan Ciscomani (AZ‑06), Zach Nunn (IA‑03) and David Valadao (CA‑22) will miss the convention, as will GOP Senate nominees Susan Collins of Maine and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson, and former New Hampshire Sen. John E. Sununu.
According to a GOP source, the National Republican Congressional Committee’s request that lawmakers purchase tickets for at least $25,000 influenced attendance decisions. “It had an impact on member attendance for sure,” the source said, noting that candidates in tighter races prefer to focus on direct voter outreach.
Trump’s Message and Party Unity
President Trump took to social media Tuesday night to tout a “totally sold out” convention. “Everybody wants to be there, but we’re really asking only those candidates that are in tight races to speak,” he wrote. “We don’t need people who are up 45 points, and have been in office for 30 years, as much as we love them all!” The president framed the event as a focused effort to energize voters in the most competitive districts.
RNC Chairperson Harold Gruters told Fox News that the party stands on the cusp of defying history, noting that only four times in 150 years has the incumbent party won the midterms. He added that the convention will give the American people a direct look at the president’s achievements.
Local Impact
Dallas businesses anticipate a boost from the influx of delegates, media, and supporters. Hotels and restaurants are preparing for heightened demand, while local volunteers are coordinating transportation and security efforts. The convention underscores Texas’s role as a pivotal battleground state and showcases the state’s capacity to host major national political events.
Overall, the Trump‑backed convention aims to rally the party’s base, highlight key candidates, and set a clear message for the November midterm elections.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
