The Republican Party is convening its first midterm convention in Dallas this week, marking a significant departure from Democratic precedent. Party officials have framed the event as a “primetime showcase” designed to energize the Republican base, nationalize congressional races, and improve turnout heading into the general election. President Trump will deliver keynote addresses on Wednesday and Thursday, alongside appearances from Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Trump Jr.
However, the convention’s success remains uncertain. A Politico survey of more than 70 Republican candidates found that 45 either plan to skip the event or remain undecided, citing scheduling conflicts and a $25,000 attendance fee. The convention also competes directly with the opening games of the American football season. According to historical analysis, Democratic midterm conventions in 1978, 1974, and 1982 produced mixed results, with Democratic observers now cautioning against such gatherings as counterproductive.
Critiques of the convention’s strategy have intensified as Trump’s political position has weakened. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump’s approval rating stands at 33%, described as the lowest point of his political career. Democratic voters report stronger enthusiasm for the midterms, with 46% describing themselves as “very enthusiastic” compared with 31% of Republicans. Former Republican communications director Tara Setmayer characterized the strategy as “political suicide,” arguing that Trump’s weakened standing on issues including the economy and immigration makes him a liability rather than an asset for candidates.
Several Republican candidates have begun distancing themselves from Trump, with some removing references to him from campaign websites and replacing Trump-branded messaging with more general conservative language. Some candidates have publicly broken with the president on specific policy matters. A Republican source indicated that at least 100 members of Congress were expected to attend, with organizers distributing more than 20,000 tickets to ensure substantial attendance.
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