Full Breakdown
GOP Holds First-Ever Midterm Convention in Dallas
9/10/2026, 12:19:22 AM
Core Event
The Republican Party convened a two-day midterm gathering in Dallas, marking the first national convention dedicated to midterm elections. Former President Donald Trump is slated to address the crowd on both nights, and a roster of GOP officials—including Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., former press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump Jr., CMS administrator Mehmet Oz, and HUD secretary Scott Turner—will speak. House Speaker Mike Johnson is also scheduled, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune is absent. The convention runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time each day.
Network Coverage Plans
C-SPAN has committed to broadcasting the entire convention uninterrupted, supplemented by pre- and post-session analysis from hosts Greta Brawner and Kate Michel. Fox News will provide extensive live coverage across its primetime lineup, including “The Story with Martha MacCallum,” “The Will Cain Show,” “Special Report with Bret Baier,” “The Ingraham Angle,” and two-hour editions of Sean Hannity’s show. Fox Nation will stream the event, while NewsNation will air two-hour nightly segments anchored by Leland Vittert, featuring a Democratic counter-interview with Senate candidate James Talarico. Other major networks have adopted a “wait-and-see” stance, positioning reporters on the ground but reserving live carriage for moments deemed newsworthy.
Speaker Lineup Highlights
- Donald Trump – former president, scheduled for speeches on both nights.
- JD Vance – vice president, expected to reinforce party messaging.
- Scott Bessent – treasury secretary, likely to discuss fiscal policy.
- Todd Blanche – attorney general, slated to address legal priorities.
- Robert Kennedy Jr. – health secretary, to outline health-care initiatives.
- Mehmet Oz – CMS administrator, representing health-care administration.
- Scott Turner – HUD secretary, expected to speak on housing policy.
- Mike Johnson – house speaker, will deliver a leadership address.
- Ken Paxton – Texas attorney general, included despite a tight Senate race with James Talarico.
Verbatim Quote
- “These are not helping the president or his party. It’s hurting his own team,” — Former Rep. Charlie Dent
What’s Next
The convention’s live broadcasts will continue through the second night, after which networks will assess whether to carry additional GOP events or candidate appearances based on audience interest and news value.
