Republicans to hold first-ever midterm convention ahead of November elections

Donald Trump has announced that Republicans will hold their first ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections, a move aimed at energizing the party’s base as it fights to retain narrow majorities in Congress. The two-day event is scheduled for September 9-10 in Dallas, Texas, marking a departure from the long-standing practice of holding national conventions only during presidential election years.

Trump confirmed the plans on Tuesday in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing Dallas as “one of my favorite places in the World” and calling the gathering a “truly Historic Event” with “Great Entertainment.” He first floated the idea last year, arguing it would showcase his administration’s achievements since returning to the White House in 2024.

The convention comes as Republicans try to defy the historical trend of the president’s party losing seats in midterms. If Democrats win control of either chamber or both, they could block much of Trump’s legislative agenda and launch investigations into his administration. Trump’s national approval ratings are low, driven by negative views of his handling of the economy, and voters currently favor Democrats in congressional races.

Despite his low overall approval, Trump remains highly influential among Republican voters, whose turnout will be critical. However, vulnerable Republicans in districts where Trump is unpopular – due to policies ranging from the Iran war to immigration crackdowns – could face challenges.

Choosing Texas puts the spotlight on the state’s high-stakes Senate race between Democratic nominee James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. A New York Times/Siena poll shows the race as a toss-up. Paxton, the Texas attorney general, secured Trump’s endorsement in the primary, defeating incumbent John Cornyn, but he is dogged by legal and political controversies that Democrats hope will give Talarico an opening.

The Texas location also highlights Trump’s push for mid-decade congressional redistricting, which began in Texas to strengthen Republican prospects. Earlier this year, the Republican National Committee amended its rules to allow conventions outside the four-year presidential cycle. The Democratic National Committee decided against a similar midterm convention, preferring to invest resources in local and state infrastructure. While unusual now, Democrats did hold midterm conferences in the 1970s and 1980s.