GOP's 'Trump-a-palooza' Aims Beyond Trump in Dallas Midterm Convention

The Republican Party is set to host its unprecedented Midterm Convention, informally dubbed "Trump-a-palooza," from September 9-10, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The two-day event aims to galvanize the party's base, raise crucial campaign funds, and sell its agenda ahead of the November midterms, as reported by The Texas Tribune, The Associated Press, CBS News, and Axios.

Political science professor Thomas Gray of UT Dallas described the holding of a midterm convention as "unprecedented." Despite the informal moniker, Republicans are looking to broaden the event's focus beyond former President Donald Trump, using his significant draw to amplify a wider array of party messages and candidates.

What is the purpose of the Republican Midterm Convention?

The convention’s primary purpose is to energize voters, highlight the Republican agenda, and raise campaign funds amidst a challenging political environment. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated the event will showcase President Trump's record on the "American comeback," articulate a contrast between Republican values and what he described as the "radical left takeover" of the Democratic Party, and motivate "MAGA voters" who have historically shown lower turnout when Trump is not personally on the ballot. Gruters also called the event a "Trumpapalooza," stating that "Each hour will have its own theme, its own message and its own voices, building toward President Donald Trump's vision for the next chapter of American greatness. This will be unlike any political convention America has seen before."

President Trump himself endorsed the format, stating in an interview on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's podcast, "The conventions have been great, and a lot of good things happen. And it brings unity." In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, "For the first time ever, the Republican Party will hold a MIDTERM CONVENTION... It will be fantastic!" He also promised, "We will also have lots of Great Entertainment — It will be a RALLY like none other!"

Who are the key speakers and what will they discuss?

President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on both nights of the convention, closing the event each evening. Vice President JD Vance is also slated to deliver a keynote on the first night. The convention features a robust lineup of more than 100 speakers, with 109 scheduled programming items across two evening sessions.

Notable speakers include:

• House Speaker Mike Johnson: Is slated to appear and stated that "a huge number" of members of Congress and aspiring candidates plan to attend. Johnson expressed, "I think it's going to be an extraordinary opportunity for us to get a couple of nights on national television to talk about our extraordinary record of achievement and to push back against the false narratives that a lot of people in the media have advanced about this Congress."
• Senator Ted Cruz (Texas): Scheduled to speak during the 4 p.m. hour on Thursday, focusing on the "extreme liberal Democrats' agenda."
• Texas Governor Greg Abbott: Slated to speak during the 5 p.m. hour on Republican successes.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton: Expected to speak. President Trump has publicly committed to assisting Paxton's campaign. On the campaign trail, Paxton has frequently emphasized the national significance of his race, stating that if Republicans lose Texas, "we've lost the country."
• Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick: Will speak during the 3 p.m. hour on the second day, anticipated to promote Texas as a business-friendly state that drives economic growth and investment.
• Senator John Barrasso (Wyoming): The second-ranking Republican Senator, is slated to appear.
• Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson: Will address the convention during the 7 p.m. hour on the second night, discussing his departure from the Democratic Party.
• Representatives Brandon Gill (R-Flower Mound) and Monica De La Cruz (R-Edinburg): From Texas.
• Congressional Candidates Carlos De La Cruz, Eric Flores, and Tano Tijerina: Expected to speak, with Flores and Tijerina specifically discussing border security during the 4 p.m. hour.

Deputy Republican Party Chair Donna Bergstrom addressed concerns about candidates potentially skipping the event, remarking, "The question really comes down to what are you going [to do to help the party]." The extensive speaker list and diverse range of topics aim to project a unified party message that extends beyond the presidential figure, encompassing legislative achievements, state-level successes, and key policy concerns like border security and economic growth.