Full Breakdown
Trump’s Midterm Convention Set for Dallas
8/7/2026, 11:21:35 PM
Core Event: First Republican Midterm Convention
The Republican Party will hold a two-day midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on September 9-10. The gathering is described as a fundraiser and rally rather than a traditional convention; no delegate votes, candidate nominations, or platform-adopting business are scheduled. President Donald Trump is expected to headline, though the full schedule has not been released.
Background & Context
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters has called the event a “Trumpapalooza” fundraiser, emphasizing its role in raising cash for upcoming House and Senate races. The concept is unprecedented—no political party has previously convened a midterm convention. Organizers say the format will feature state representatives on the floor to give the appearance of a conventional convention while focusing on “wins by the Trump administration,” according to RNC communications director Zach Kraft.
Data & Statistics
- Ticket pricing varies by state party: California offers a “golden VIP” package for $250,000 that includes four floor badges and four hotel rooms; Michigan tickets are $7,500 each.
- In Texas, the host state, the price for an Honorary Delegate was reduced from $20,000 to $10,000, and the Honorary Alternate price fell from $15,000 to $7,500 the day before the purchase deadline.
- Preliminary estimates from a Dallas Morning News report cited by RawStory place the convention’s total cost at up to $40 million, though the share that may be borne by taxpayers remains undisclosed.
Official Statements & Responses
- RNC communications director Zach Kraft said, “I think there is nothing scared about this. We are putting our policies front and center and we are challenging Democrats to put their policies front and center.” “I think there is nothing scared about this. We are putting our policies front and center and we are challenging Democrats to put their policies front and center,” — Zach Kraft, a communications director for the RNC’s central region
- Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux described the event as an “all-hands-on-deck” operation, pledging to “keep everyone safe.”
- RNC Chairman Joe Gruters reiterated the fundraiser angle, labeling the convention a “Trumpapalooza” designed to generate cash for midterm races.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are so few details on it right now,” — Lauren Boebert – “There are so few details on it right now.” — Lauren Boebert, R-CO
- “I don't know what the, you know, what the attendance is going to be like, tickets and stuff, but I think it's a brilliant idea,” — Rep. Derrick Van Orden – “I don't know what the, you know, what the attendance is going to be like, tickets and stuff, but I think it's a brilliant idea.” — Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI
- “I can't imagine it'd be as many,” — Rep. Gregg Harper – “I can't imagine it'd be as many.” — Rep. Gregg Harper, R-MS
What's Next
The convention proceeds as scheduled on September 9-10, with ticket sales ongoing and security preparations under way. No further details on the agenda or additional speakers have been released.
