President Donald Trump announced that Republicans will hold their first-ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections, an unconventional move aimed at boosting voter engagement as the party fights to retain control of Congress.
The Republican National Committee said the two-day event will take place Sept. 9 and 10 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The last time Republicans held a national convention in the city was in 1984, during a presidential election cycle.
An Unusual Midterm Gathering
National political parties typically reserve large conventions for presidential election years. Trump, however, has long floated the idea of holding a similar gathering during the midterms to focus attention on key House and Senate races across the country.
With Republicans holding narrow majorities in both chambers, party leaders view the midterms as especially high stakes. If Democrats regain control of either the House or Senate, they would have the power to block Trump’s legislative agenda and open investigations into his administration during the final two years of his term.
Without Trump himself on the ballot, Republican strategists have also expressed concern about motivating voter turnout. The convention is intended to help counter the historical trend of the party in power losing seats during midterm elections.
Dallas Selected as Host City
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson welcomed the announcement, calling it a major event for the city.
“The Republican National Committee’s decision to bring its first-ever midterm convention to Dallas is a tremendous honor,” Johnson said in a statement, adding that the event would energize the party and build momentum heading into the 2026 elections.
Texas GOP Chair D’rinda Randall echoed that sentiment, noting Trump’s personal fondness for the state and city.
“Texans couldn’t be more excited to welcome back our favorite President,” Randall said.
Spotlight on Texas Senate Race
Holding the convention in Texas places added attention on one of the most closely watched races of the midterms: the state’s U.S. Senate contest between Democratic nominee James Talarico and Republican nominee Ken Paxton.
Paxton, the current Texas attorney general, defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary earlier this year with Trump’s backing. While the race is considered competitive, some Republican leaders have expressed concern that Paxton’s past controversies, including an impeachment, an extramarital affair, and a securities fraud case that did not result in a conviction, could complicate the party’s efforts to hold the seat.
Recent polling shows the race remains tight with several months to go before the November election.
RNC Preparations and Messaging
Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, chair of the Republican National Convention, said the event will focus on promoting the party’s policy priorities.
“This convention will showcase the America First agenda,” Gruters said, pointing to tax cuts and public safety as key themes.
The RNC formally paved the way for the midterm convention earlier this year, voting at its January winter meeting to amend party procedures that previously focused only on presidential nominating conventions.
Trump has promoted the idea since last year, saying the gathering would highlight accomplishments since the 2024 presidential election and help unify Republicans around shared goals.
Broader Political Context
The Dallas convention also comes amid the effects of Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting efforts that began in Texas, aimed at securing additional Republican seats in Congress.
Democrats have discussed holding a similar midterm gathering but ultimately decided against it this year. Historically, however, the party did hold comparable conferences during the 1970s and 1980s.
As the midterm campaign season intensifies, Republicans are betting that a high-profile national convention will help drive turnout and shape the political narrative heading into November.
FAQs
When will the GOP midterm convention take place?
It is scheduled for Sept. 9 and 10 in Dallas.
Where will the convention be held?
At the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Why is this convention unusual?
National conventions are typically held during presidential elections.
What is the goal of the convention?
To boost turnout and support Republicans in the midterms.
Which major race will be highlighted?
The Texas Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico.
