Trump hopes convention pulls party out of tailspin
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The gist
Trump will speak both nights of the GOP's Dallas midterm convention, Sept 9-10. The event aims to rally Republicans amid turnout concerns and competitive Senate races.
Background
The Republican Party is holding an unusual midterm convention in Dallas on September 9-10, 2026, featuring President Trump as the keynote speaker on both nights. This is only the second time in modern history a national party has held a midterm gathering, and it lacks traditional party business like nominations or platform debates. The event comes as the party faces concerns about attracting attendees and as Republican Senate candidates in battleground races weigh whether to appear with Trump.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026A party official says Trump will speak on both nights of the convention, expanding his originally scheduled Thursday address.
- Sep 8, 2026The New York Times reports on which Republican Senate candidates are skipping the convention, highlighting the tricky decision for those in competitive races.
- Sep 9, 2026The convention begins in Dallas, with Trump speaking on both nights; it is noted that the event lacks official party business.
Who’s saying what
- Party
- A party official says Trump's expanded role is to help encourage attendance and rally the base.
- Analysts
- The New York Times notes that for GOP candidates in battleground races, appearing with Trump is a 'thorny conundrum'.
Still unverified
A senior Republican official, speaking anonymously, said the party is struggling to attract attendees, but this is not confirmed.