NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 9, 2026United States
Republican Party holds unconventional midterm convention in Dallas featuring President Trump
Photo: KPBS Public Media
The Republican National Committee is holding a two-night midterm convention in Dallas, dubbed 'Trumpapalooza,' featuring President Trump as the headliner to energize low-propensity voters. The event departs from traditional midterm strategy by centering the president rather than individual congressional candidates in competitive districts.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The event reflects a national political strategy aimed at retaining narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate by mobilizing voters who typically only participate in presidential election years.
Key Facts
- The Republican National Committee is hosting a two-night midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, referred to as 'Trumpapalooza'.
- President Trump is serving as the headliner for both nights of the event.
- Fewer than half of Republican candidates in competitive House and Senate races are listed as convention speakers, according to an NPR analysis using Cook Political Report ratings.
- A Trump-aligned political dark money group named Securing American Greatness started airing two midterm campaign ads featuring the president without mentioning specific House and Senate candidates.
- Convention organizers state the gathering will focus on lowering the cost of living, raising incomes, securing the border, and protecting American values.
- Featured speakers include Vice President Vance and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
- The convention coincides with the NFL season opener and a primetime Thursday night football game.
- Political parties historically hold presidential nominating conventions every four years rather than during midterm election years.
Who's Mentioned
PersonVance“Vice President featured as a speaker at the convention.”PersonBiden“Former President mentioned regarding his approach to midterm campaign rallies in”OrganizationSecuring American Greatness“Trump-aligned political dark money group airing midterm campaign ads.”PersonTerry Schilling“President of the American Principles Project.”PersonAlex Triantafilou“Ohio Republican Party chairman.”PersonJoe Gruters“Republican National Committee Chairman.”PersonEric McDaniel“NPR reporter who contributed to the story.”PersonKen Paxton“Texas Attorney General and featured speaker endorsed by Trump for a Senate seat.”PersonZach Nunn“Republican Representative of Iowa.”PersonDarline Graham“South Carolina Republican Senator.”PersonPresident Trump“Headliner of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas.”PersonJohn Anzalone“Democratic pollster and consultant.”