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Choosing Texas: House Candidates at the Midterm Convention
Confirmed
In Short: President Donald Trump's unprecedented midterm convention in Dallas drew a mix of attendees and no-shows among Republican candidates.
President Donald Trump's unprecedented midterm convention in Dallas drew a mix of attendees and no-shows among Republican candidates, highlighting the delicate balance they face as they campaign.
While Trump and Vice President JD Vance were in attendance, many top GOP senators and candidates in tight races chose not to attend, opting to avoid being closely tied to an unpopular president.
Texas had a significant presence at the convention, with ten elected officials and congressional candidates among the 109 speakers and programming items announced.
The convention focused on key Republican issues such as taxes, border security, public safety, health care, energy, and the economy, aiming to present voters with a contrast between the two parties.
GOP lawmakers and candidates are privately strategizing with party leaders and Trump administration officials to shore up vulnerable candidates in battlegrounds and states the president won by double digits in 2024.
The convention also provided an opportunity for candidates and members to tap into donors and other big spenders in town.
House Democrats, including California’s Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Oversight committee, and others, headed to Dallas to counter the Republican convention’s messaging.
The convention’s success will be determined by whether it can generate voter enthusiasm that carries into the fall elections.
Despite the gathering’s intentions, the convention’s impact may be limited if voters do not carry that enthusiasm into the fall.
The event marked the first midterm convention in the history of the Republican Party, built entirely around Trump.
The convention’s keynote address was given by Vice President JD Vance, and it featured Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. on the second night.
What this adds
The convention's success hinges on whether it can generate sustained enthusiasm among voters.
The event's impact on the midterm elections remains uncertain.
What's confirmed
- President Donald Trump at the Republican convention Wednesday at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
What's still developing
- Plenty of incumbents on the House battleground stayed away, though at least a few seized the spotlight.
- Still, a handful of Republican candidates in competitive districts chose to attend the two-day “Trump-a-palooza” at the American Airlines Center.
- Of more than 70 Republican candidates and members of Congress surveyed by Politico, a majority (45) said they either weren’t going or wouldn’t commit.
- This was meant to be the career-maker’s convention, held in honour of the man who anoints winners and is gathering chosen candidates around him ahead of an election that will be a referendum on his leadership.
- The Texas speakers will join Republican officials and candidates from across the country, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
- No presidential nomination or other traditional convention business is taking place.
- Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, Ted Cruz, Dan Patrick, congressional candidates, and Texas whistleblowers are among those set to speak in Dallas.
- Texas Republicans will be heavily represented when the Republican National Committee holds its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas this week.
- Trump is scheduled to appear on both nights of the convention.
- Three Republican congressional candidates from Texas will also receive speaking slots: Eric Flores in Congressional District 34, Tano Tijerina in Congressional District 28, and Carlos De La Cruz in Congressional District 35.
- The challenge is converting loyalty to Trump into enthusiasm for Republican candidates across the country.
- Their efforts to summon it without him on the ballot will determine whether the inaugural GOP midterm convention changes the campaign or fades as a two-day spectacle.