Overview
- The Republican National Committee will hold a compressed two-day midterm convention in Dallas on Sept. 9–10 that will not use delegates or votes and is being run like a mass campaign rally.
- President Donald Trump is now scheduled to speak both nights of the convention and has pledged to personally campaign in about 35 competitive House and Senate races in the final month before the election.
- At least 45 Republican lawmakers and candidates told Politico they will skip the Dallas event, citing district duties, family plans, scheduling conflicts and concern that close association with Trump could hurt tight races.
- Organizers have built expensive donor tiers and premium access into the program, including five- and six-figure roundtables and photo opportunities, drawing criticism for pay-to-play optics and use of nonprofit channels that limit donor disclosure.
- Political scientists and strategists say the event may boost short-term enthusiasm for the base but is unlikely to produce a lasting poll shift, and its timing and limited live network coverage could reduce reach and hinder help for vulnerable down-ballot candidates.