US Republicans are convening an extraordinary midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, wagering that placing Donald Trump at the center of their campaign can salvage a party confronting bleak electoral prospects despite his persistently low approval ratings.
The two‑day gathering, unofficially nicknamed “Trumpapalooza,” is intended to convince his supporters that Trump is effectively on the ballot on November 3, when Republicans face the prospect of losing the House of Representatives and must fight to retain the Senate.
Trump recently urged supporters at a South Carolina rally to “pretend I’m on the ballot” and vote in November, emphasizing the importance of turnout.
Decision Desk HQ currently forecasts a Democratic majority of 230–205 in the House and a 51–49 edge in the Senate, up from a previous 50–50 projection, as Republican prospects continue to deteriorate.
Trump, whose approval rating hovers around 33 % in recent polls, is scheduled to address the convention both nights at the American Airlines Centre.
He must mobilize voters who are personally loyal to him while avoiding further alienation of independents who are growing discontent with his administration amid high inflation, gasoline prices above $4 a gallon, and ongoing hostilities with Iran.
Professor Matthew Green of Catholic University of America observed that many Trump supporters only vote when he is on the ballot. “They’re not diehard Republican voters; they’re diehard Trump voters,” Green noted. “So, in that respect, it makes some sense to feature Trump in the hopes of getting those folks to turn out in November.”
However, Green expressed skepticism that urging supporters to imagine Trump on the ballot can offset his broader unpopularity. He noted that approval ratings in the low‑to‑mid‑30s traditionally forecast a difficult midterm for a president’s party.
Trump show
The convention marks the first Republican national gathering dedicated exclusively to a midterm election, a format Democrats occasionally employed in the 1970s and 1980s.
No candidates will be nominated and no formal party business is planned.
Organizers have constructed what amounts to a two‑night television rally touting Trump’s record and Republican candidates, with more than 100 House members and candidates expected and over 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.
Trump delivers Wednesday’s keynote and returns for Thursday’s finale after Vice President JD Vance speaks. Cabinet members, congressional leaders, and candidates in closely watched House and Senate races are also on the program.
Republicans plan to highlight tax cuts, immigration enforcement, manufacturing, and prescription drug prices, while portraying Democrats as dangerously far left.
Some Republicans privately hope Trump sticks to that script rather than drifting into personal grievances and off‑message topics that often dominate his appearances.
Staying home
Not everyone is attending; numerous lawmakers in competitive races have decided that, less than two months before Election Day, their time is better spent campaigning at home.
Green said vulnerable Republicans have two reasons to keep their distance: Trump’s unpopularity and the cost of losing precious days in their districts.
“If you are a Republican running in a swing district, you probably want to get as much distance from Trump as possible,” he said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has acknowledged the dilemma, noting that some members need to remain home because it is a “critical time” immediately before early voting accelerates nationwide.
Republicans who do attend have also been asked to contribute at least $25,000 (€21,000) for tickets and lodging.
The event doubles as a huge fundraising opportunity, with a Trump roundtable priced at $250,000 (€214,000) per person and photographs with the president offered for $88,600 (€76,126).
Even Trump’s promised national television showcase faces a formidable rival: both convention nights coincide with the opening games of the NFL season.
“Spending three or four days away from your district to go to a convention is not a good way to spend your time if you’re facing a tight re‑election,” Green added.