Donald Trump and JD Vance will headline the Republican National Committee’s first midterm convention in Dallas, as the party seeks to energise its supporters ahead of November’s elections.
The two-day gathering will be held at the American Airlines Centre on September 9 and 10. Mr Vance is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on the opening night, while Mr Trump will appear on both evenings and give the closing address on Thursday.
The unusual event is intended to showcase Republican candidates and the Trump administration’s agenda before contests that will determine control of Congress. The RNC has described it as a prime-time presentation of the party’s record, policies and candidates.
The preliminary speaker list includes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Donald Trump Jr.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso and Senator Tim Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, are also expected to appear. Other lawmakers and candidates in competitive House, Senate and gubernatorial races are due to take part.
Senate candidates listed for the convention include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Ohio Senator Jon Husted, former Michigan congressman Mike Rogers and North Carolina Republican Michael Whatley. Vulnerable House members, including New York Congressman Mike Lawler and Pennsylvania representatives Rob Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, are also on the programme.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is notably absent from the announced list, although he is expected to be in Dallas for fundraising events. Republican organisers have indicated that further names may be added before the convention begins.
The programme will feature themed sessions on taxes, healthcare, immigration, trade, education, public safety and domestic manufacturing, alongside presentations from candidates and members of the public. Organisers expect more than 100 speakers and programme items across the two nights.
The gathering comes as Republicans try to maintain enthusiasm among Trump’s supporters in an election in which the president himself is not on the ballot. It will also offer prominent figures who may seek the White House in 2028 an opportunity to address a national Republican audience.
