Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
110 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

RNC Opens First Midterm Convention in Dallas With Trump at Center

The two-night event is a donor-funded push to nationalize the November races and try to boost Republican turnout ahead of early voting.

A worker prepares for the Republican midterm convention, set to take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, on Sept. 6, 2026. The convention runs Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Attendees converse ahead of a town hall hosted by Democratic candidate for US Senate Abdul El-Sayed, part of a series of events across Michigan focused on hearing from voters, on September 3, 2026 at the Oakland Expo Center in Waterford, Michigan.
DALLAS, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 08: A supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump wears a glitter jacket that she purchased from a street vendor ahead of the 2026 Republican National Committee (RNC) Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 08, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. U.S. President Donald Trump will , the RNC’s first-ever midterm convention as he aims to highlight his administration’s achievements and rally support for GOP candidates just two months before the upcoming midterm elections being held on November 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • The convention opened in Dallas on Wednesday with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance scheduled to headline the two evening sessions and organizers expecting tens of thousands of attendees.
  • RNC officials say the event is financed by donors at a reported cost above $40 million and includes premium fundraising packages such as a reported more-than-$88,000 photo opportunity with the president.
  • Several vulnerable Republican lawmakers are choosing to stay in their districts to campaign rather than attend, creating questions about turnout and the value of tying close races to Trump.
  • Pro-Trump outside groups have begun major ad spending for the midterms, including a reported $10 million television and digital buy focused on the Texas Senate race, while major networks have limited live coverage and the convention competes with NFL openings.
  • With early voting near and the GOP holding a narrow Congressional majority this fall, party leaders hope the spectacle will translate into votes but strategists warn Trump's low approval ratings could energize Democrats and change control of Congress.