Dallas, Texas – United States President Donald Trump delivered a keynote speech on the first night of the Republican midterm convention, positioning himself as a central figure in the upcoming November elections despite not being on the ballot. The event, held on Wednesday, is the first of its kind for midterm elections, as Republicans prepare for a challenging election cycle to maintain control of the House of Representatives and Senate. Losing either chamber could significantly limit Trump's influence.
Trump stated, "When I’m on the ticket, Republicans always do very well. But for some reason, when a president wins… even if he’s a really good or great president, they don’t win the midterms." He urged attendees to act as if he were on the ballot, saying, "We’re gonna change that."
Vice President JD Vance was originally scheduled to headline the event, which typically occurs during presidential election cycles, but no explanation was provided for the last-minute change. The convention is set to continue into a second night on Thursday.
Trump's focus on the midterm elections has been interpreted as a political strategy, particularly as his approval ratings have declined amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. He indicated that he would actively campaign in competitive races, stating, "We can win every one of those races. But I’m going to every one of those states for congressman and for senators. We are going to have rallies just like this."
However, some candidates in tight races opted to campaign in their own districts instead of attending the convention, raising concerns that Trump's involvement could mobilize Democratic voters. Trump also promised a $5,000 "dividend" to all adult citizens if Republicans retain control of both chambers, although the legality of this claim remains uncertain.
The conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, has become a significant political issue as Brent Crude oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel, and polls indicate widespread disapproval of the war and its economic repercussions. While Trump claimed the US was "winning" the conflict, he also suggested further military action, including a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear site.
The midterm convention serves as a platform for introducing Republican candidates to major donors, with Texas recognized as a key fundraising hub for the GOP. Several candidates in competitive races spoke at the event, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is trailing in polls against Democratic challenger James Talarico.
Trump praised Paxton, stating, "He may not dress right, he may not talk exactly perfectly, and he may not be the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen, but he’s the greatest attorney general in America." Other candidates included Monica de La Cruz, Jon Husted, and Mike Collins, who are facing Democratic challengers.
The programming of the event reflected Republican messaging for the midterm elections, emphasizing Trump's immigration policies and tax cuts. Speakers framed the election as a contest against "radicals" and "socialists," despite no candidates identifying as such.
The atmosphere resembled a Trump rally, with several of his appointees speaking. Attendees expressed strong support for Trump, with one supporter stating, "I hope it motivates people to come out and vote, instead of sitting home and doing nothing."
Despite the enthusiasm at the convention, analysts noted a challenging landscape for Republicans. A recent political forecast indicated a toss-up for Senate control, with Democrats favored to take the House. In Texas, polls show Talarico gaining ground on Paxton, suggesting that Trump's endorsement may have limited impact.
Evan Roth Smith, a partner at Slingshot Strategies, reported that Talarico is approaching a 50 percent support mark, indicating a potentially durable advantage over Paxton.