Donald Trump used the opening night of the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention to rally supporters in Dallas and frame November’s elections as a contest between his administration’s record and what Republicans portrayed as an increasingly extreme Democratic Party.
The two-day gathering began on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at the American Airlines Centre, with Trump due to address delegates and supporters after a day of speeches from senior Republicans, cabinet members and candidates. The event is intended to energise the party’s base and promote its candidates ahead of the midterm elections. ([gopconvention.com](https://www.gopconvention.com/))
Vice-President JD Vance arrived in Dallas as the convention opened, while Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton used his appearance to seek support for his Senate campaign. Mr Paxton is facing Democrat James Talarico in a closely watched race in a state Republicans have dominated for decades.
“He is the most radical Democrat in Texas history, but he’s also the most well-funded,” Mr Paxton told the crowd, asking for “your prayers, your votes and your support”. He added: “If we lose Texas, we lose the common sense revolution.” ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4139b7912dbf1eebdcfde8c1cc12f23d))
Republican speakers repeatedly cast the election as a choice between “common sense” and socialism, with House leaders Steve Scalise and Tom Emmer delivering some of the sharpest attacks on Democrats. Mr Emmer described the opposition as “Marxists and communists and anarchists”, while warning that a Democratic victory would bring investigations and possible impeachment efforts against Mr Trump.
Border security, public safety, healthcare and the economy formed the main themes of the first day. Promotional videos shown at the arena highlighted the administration’s tax and spending legislation, including provisions affecting tips, overtime and rural healthcare.
One of the most unexpected moments came from Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who appeared in a recorded video introducing Republican Senator Dave McCormick. Mr Fetterman said he would “reject the extremes and socialism” and promised to work with Mr Trump to “fight and defend the steel way of life”. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d90e290a1b805029b66829da2896080d))
The appearance is likely to intensify speculation about Mr Fetterman’s political future, although he has repeatedly said he will not leave the Democratic Party. His increasingly independent stance has already caused friction with party leaders.
The convention has been presented by the Republican National Committee as a celebration of Mr Trump’s achievements and a display of support for the party’s candidates. In practice, the opening day carried the atmosphere of a Trump rally, with his image prominent around the arena and speakers repeatedly praising his leadership. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4139b7912dbf1eebdcfde8c1cc12f23d))
Republicans are attempting to maintain control of Congress in November while confronting concerns about voter enthusiasm and Mr Trump’s standing among the wider electorate. Democrats, including members of Congress who travelled to Dallas, have sought to counter the convention by arguing that the president is putting himself ahead of economic concerns and the interests of voters.
