Trump stages rare midterm convention in Dallas to rally Republicans ahead of November elections

Unusual convention

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Republican Party will hold a convention in Dallas on September 9 and 10, an off-year event aimed at mobilizing voters for November's midterm elections. Such gatherings are typically reserved for presidential election years; the next scheduled convention is in 2028. Trump touted the event on Truth Social, calling it a first for the party and promising "high-level entertainment."

“BIG NEWS! For the first time ever, the Republican Party will hold a MIDTERM CONVENTION. It will be in Dallas, Texas -- One of my favorite places in the World. It will be fantastic!”

Trump plans to address the convention, according to two Republican sources, tying his political standing more directly to the election outcome. He said the event would bring together "hardworking Americans, our Great Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, First Responders, and Job Creators who are powering our Nation's Golden Age."

Texas Senate race

The choice of Dallas puts a spotlight on the Texas Senate contest, where Trump's endorsed candidate, Attorney General Ken Paxton, faces Democrat James Talarico. Paxton defeated longtime incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican primary after Trump's endorsement. Democrats view Paxton as vulnerable due to a history of scandals, including an extramarital affair, an impeachment, and a securities fraud case that did not result in conviction. The party is investing heavily in the race, hoping to break the Republican hold on the state. Republican Senate leaders worry that Paxton's baggage could turn a winnable race into a costly drain on resources.

Political stakes

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers: 218 seats in the House against 215 Democrats, and 53 Senate seats to 47 Democrats and two independents. The party that controls the White House historically loses seats in the first midterm after a presidential election. Trump's approval rating fell to 39% in late June, according to a New York Times poll, with voter unease over the economy and the war with Iran weighing on the party.

House Republicans218

House Democrats215

Senate Republicans53

Senate Democrats47

Senate Independents2

House Republicans

218 seats

House Democrats

215 seats

Senate Republicans

53 seats

Senate Democrats

47 seats

Senate Independents

2 seats

Data from the article text

Trump has warned that Democrats could launch a third impeachment if they regain control of Congress, and he has assigned key White House aides to organize the Republican campaign.

Supreme Court ruling

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted restrictions on the amounts political parties can spend in coordination with individual candidates. The decision could benefit Republicans in the midterms by allowing more coordinated spending. Democrats considered holding a similar midterm convention but abandoned the idea, though the party held such conferences in the 1970s and 1980s.