DALLAS (AP) – Republicans gathered in Dallas for their midterm convention with a clear message: the November elections will determine whether President Donald Trump can continue advancing his agenda during the final two years of his term.
Although history often favors the party out of power in midterm elections, Republicans are betting that Trump’s leadership, a unified congressional conference and a focus on tax relief, immigration enforcement and government spending will motivate voters to protect the party’s majorities in the House and Senate.
Trump headlined the convention’s opening night Wednesday with a lengthy primetime address that urged supporters to treat the election as a direct choice between his administration’s priorities and what Republicans describe as an increasingly extreme Democratic Party.
“The midterms are not supposed to be won by the sitting president,” Trump acknowledged. But he predicted that this election could be “something very special” and urged voters to cast their ballots as if he were personally on the ticket.
“Pretend I’m on the ballot,” Trump told the crowd.
The president’s appearance energized a convention filled with MAGA apparel, cowboy hats and enthusiastic supporters. Republicans repeatedly warned that a Democratic takeover of Congress could jeopardize the administration’s tax cuts, border policies and efforts to reduce federal spending.
The party is showcasing its “Big Beautiful Bill,” a package of tax breaks and spending reductions that Republicans say will strengthen the economy, support working families and restrain Washington’s appetite for new programs. House Speaker Mike Johnson has framed the convention’s message as a “Contrast with America,” arguing that voters should weigh Republican priorities against what GOP leaders portray as a Democratic agenda centered on investigations, higher taxes and government expansion.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., urged Republicans not to become complacent, warning that Democrats would use control of Congress to pursue impeachments and investigations of the Trump administration.
“This is what we’re talking about when we say common sense versus crazy communists,” Scalise said, drawing a loud response from the audience. “Are you going to let that happen?”
“No!” the crowd shouted.
Trump also floated a proposal to reduce credit card swipe fees, adding to a series of economic ideas aimed at easing costs for consumers and small businesses. He additionally promised a $5,000 payment to each American adult if Republicans win.
Republicans are campaigning against voter concerns about the economy and the war in Iran, while arguing that Democrats would make those challenges worse. Their strategy is to present the election as a choice between continued conservative governance and a return to what they describe as unchecked liberal spending and weak enforcement of immigration laws.
Democrats held their own events in Dallas and criticized Republicans.
Republican leaders, meanwhile, are emphasizing unity. With House and Senate margins expected to remain narrow, even a small number of competitive races could determine the balance of power and the future of Trump’s legislative program.
Vice President JD Vance is expected to deliver the convention’s keynote address Thursday, with Trump scheduled to offer closing remarks. The president’s appeal to supporters remains straightforward: stay engaged, remain united and vote as though the future of his administration depends on it.
“The great American majority is going to stand up and continue to Make America Great Again,” Trump said. “And we will make our voices heard, perhaps like never before.”
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