Key facts
- President Donald Trump announced Republicans will hold their first national convention in Dallas on September 9-10.
- The convention aims to energize voters and boost turnout for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
- This event marks a departure from the tradition of holding national conventions only during presidential election years.
- The gathering is intended to energize Trump's base and counter the historical trend of the party in power losing seats in midterms.
- The convention's location in Dallas highlights the high-stakes Texas Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.
President Donald Trump announced that Republicans will hold their first national convention ahead of the midterm elections, an unusual event scheduled for September 9-10 in Dallas. The gathering aims to rally voters and boost turnout for Republican candidates, particularly as the party in power typically loses seats in midterm elections. Trump hopes the convention will energize his base and focus attention on the races that will determine control of Congress. The choice of Dallas also highlights the Texas Senate race, where Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed by Trump, faces Democrat James Talarico. Republican leaders are concerned about Paxton's past scandals potentially impacting the race, which could strain party resources.