The Republican Dallas convention will put Donald Trump at the centre as the party seeks to rebuild voter support and gain momentum ahead of the US midterm elections.
DALLAS: President Donald Trump’s Republican Party is increasingly viewing its first major midterm convention in Dallas as a crucial opportunity to rebuild political momentum ahead of the November 3 elections. The September 9-10 gathering comes at a difficult time for Republicans, with opinion polls showing voter frustration over the economy, rising living costs and the war with Iran.
When Republicans announced the convention earlier this year, some party strategists questioned its value, arguing that a national gathering without formal party business could become a distraction as congressional campaigns entered their final stages. However, after months of negative headlines and growing concerns about the economy, party officials now believe the event could help refocus voters on President Trump’s agenda.
The convention is expected to put Trump at the centre of the Republican message, with organisers planning to highlight his tax cuts, immigration policies and other administration achievements. Republicans also intend to showcase Americans they say have benefited from those policies while portraying Democrats as increasingly influenced by socialist ideas and activists.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said the convention would rally voters behind Trump’s agenda, including efforts to lower drug prices, cut taxes and strengthen security along the southern border with Mexico. She argued that Trump has a unique ability to mobilise Republican voters and said the convention could provide the momentum needed for the party to expand its congressional majorities in November.
However, some Republican strategists remain concerned that putting Trump at the centre of the event could backfire. With his approval rating reported at 33%, some candidates in competitive races fear that a close association with the president could make it harder to appeal to independent voters and those focused primarily on local economic issues.
The war with Iran and the rising cost of living are also major concerns. Some Republicans believe the convention must address voters’ economic frustrations rather than simply become a large-scale political rally. Strategist Dave Wilson said the event would have to offer a meaningful response to the cost-of-living crisis if it is to influence voters outside Texas.
There is also uncertainty over which Republican congressional candidates will participate. Advisers to several campaigns in competitive districts told Reuters that they had not yet been informed whether their candidates would receive speaking slots. Reuters contacted campaigns in 37 competitive House races and eight closely contested Senate races, but only one campaign provided a substantive response.
Republican Representative Tom Barrett, who is seeking re-election in a competitive Michigan race, plans to skip the convention and remain on the campaign trail. His strategist said Barrett’s priority was to focus on voters in his district rather than attend a national political event.
Despite the uncertainty, organisers expect a large turnout. Republican donor and convention co-chair Ray Washburne said around 30,000 people could attend the gathering, exceeding the seating capacity of Dallas’ American Airlines Center by about 8,000 people. He also said organisers had raised $42 million and expected the event to be fully funded.
The timing of the convention could create some challenges because it takes place shortly after the start of the school year. One state Republican Party chair reportedly returned a large number of allocated seats after members said they could not make the schedule work.
Organisers have not released a complete list of speakers, but Washburne said most of Trump’s Cabinet secretaries would attend, along with many candidates involved in competitive races. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak on September 9, while Trump is expected to address the convention on September 10.
The convention is also expected to serve as a major fundraising and networking opportunity for Republican candidates and donors. The Republican National Committee has launched a website selling official convention merchandise, including hats, T-shirts and mugs. Organisers believe candidates can use the gathering to gain national media exposure and attract financial support.
Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton is among those who could benefit from the attention generated by holding the convention in his home state, according to Washburne. However, some Republicans remain wary of embracing Trump too closely, particularly candidates fighting for support among independent voters.
Republican National Committee members and party insiders interviewed by Reuters largely described the Dallas gathering as an important opportunity to energise Republican voters, whose enthusiasm has reportedly lagged behind that of Democrats in some polls. Others remain sceptical that a convention-style rally can significantly change voter sentiment.
The Dallas convention therefore represents both an opportunity and a political gamble for Republicans. Party leaders hope Trump’s presence will energise supporters and strengthen the Republican message, while some candidates fear that concerns over his approval rating, the economy and the Iran war could overshadow their local campaigns.
With control of both chambers of Congress at stake in the November midterm elections, Republicans will be looking for the Dallas event to generate more than headlines. The party hopes it will translate into stronger voter enthusiasm, increased fundraising and ultimately more Republican votes in competitive races across the country.
