About 20,000 Republicans are gathering in downtown Dallas today for the party’s first national midterm convention, a two-night rally at American Airlines Center that begins this afternoon and features President Donald Trump in primetime.
The Republican National Committee scheduled the Sept. 9–10 event as a campaign-style showcase ahead of November, not a nominating convention with official party business, according to the RNC and reporting by The Dallas Morning News. Developer Ray Washburne, an event co-chair, has said organizers expect about 20,000 people each night.
Programming is set to run from about 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central both days, FOX 4 News reported, citing the RNC schedule. Trump is listed as a keynote speaker tonight and is scheduled to close the gathering Thursday. Vice President JD Vance is also slated for a prime speaking slot. Other speakers listed by the RNC include Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, Sen. Ted Cruz and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
HISTORY IS COMING TO NORTH TEXAS AND COLLIN COUNTY IS CELEBRATING TOGETHER!
— Collin County GOP (@CollinGOP) September 4, 2026
For the first time ever, Republicans are holding a national Midterm Convention and it’s happening right here in Dallas, Texas, September 9-10!
Vice President JD Vance headlines September 9
President…
The U.S. Secret Service and Dallas police have tightened security around Victory Park. Streets including Victory Avenue, North Houston Street and Nowitzki Way are closed from Sept. 7 through midnight Sept. 11, city and police officials have said. DART’s Victory Park station is shut during the event. The FAA has restricted drones near the arena, and general-admission guests must ride official shuttles from Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
Residents near the arena have been told to expect checkpoints and extra commute time. No injuries have been reported in connection with the setup.
Republicans say the Dallas gathering is meant to highlight the administration’s agenda and boost candidates in competitive races, including Texas’ U.S. Senate contest. Democrats have called the event a political rally. November’s midterms are 55 days away.
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