DALLAS – At a pivotal midterm convention, Republicans are acutely aware of the historical challenges facing their party. However, they are banking on the charismatic presence of former President Donald Trump to energize voters and bolster their chances of retaining majorities in both the House and Senate. Over the course of two days, the event has focused on galvanizing support amid concerns about the economy and ongoing geopolitical issues, including tensions in Iran.
The convention kicked off with strong rhetoric against Democrats, whom Republicans labeled as extremists. Trump delivered an impactful speech that promised $5,000 to every American adult if the Republicans secure a victory in the upcoming elections—a proposal that could potentially cost over $1 trillion, raising eyebrows given the nation’s staggering $40 trillion debt.
As the convention progressed, the agenda featured prominent speakers, including Vice President JD Vance, who echoed the same themes of economic prosperity and national security. Many Republican lawmakers, particularly those facing tough re-election campaigns, took the stage to warn that a Democratic victory could jeopardize tax cuts and immigration policies that they advocate.
“There’s a historical trend where midterms are not typically won by the sitting president,” Trump acknowledged, yet he expressed optimism that this election would defy the odds and be “something very special.” He urged attendees to think of their votes as votes for him: “Pretend I’m on the ballot,” he said, reinforcing his position as a central figure in the Republican Party.
While some GOP lawmakers passionately rallied the crowd, others opted out of the convention, which was competing for attention with the kickoff of the National Football League season. In contrast, Democrats organized parallel events, framing Republicans as disconnected from the pressing concerns of everyday Americans, such as rising prices and ethical dilemmas surrounding the Trump administration.
Rep. Robert Garcia of California articulated the Democratic stance, stating, “We want to ensure that people can actually live their lives, be able to work, have access to healthcare,” emphasizing the need for real solutions over spectacle.
The second evening of the convention was poised to highlight what House Speaker Mike Johnson described as the “Contrast with America.” This segment aimed to showcase the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes tax breaks and spending cuts while outlining a stark warning of what might transpire should Democrats take control. This approach echoes the historical “Contract with America” initiated by former Republican leader Newt Gingrich, yet instead of detailed plans, the current rhetoric focuses on contrasting their policies with those of the Democrats, whom they accuse of being excessively progressive.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana framed their argument as a choice between “common sense versus crazy communists,” urging attendees to mobilize against the perceived threat of impeachment and other consequences should Republicans fail to show up at the polls.
“Are you going to let that happen?” he challenged the crowd, which responded with enthusiastic affirmations of loyalty to the party and its agenda. Trump’s lengthy speech touched on several topics, including a mention of proposals to reduce credit card swipe fees, although details were sparse.
Republicans have been keen to position all Democrats as aligned with their most liberal counterparts, particularly those supported by the Democratic Socialists of America. However, some Democrats, like Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, distanced themselves from extreme positions, emphasizing a commitment to moderate solutions.
Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota energized the audience by directly addressing incumbent Democrats, including notable figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar and Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, asserting that dissatisfaction could lead to dire consequences for the country.
Trump’s rallying cry at the convention was clear: a unified Republican front is crucial for the upcoming election. With both the House and Senate at risk, he emphasized the importance of solidarity in the face of historical midterm losses that previous presidents have acknowledged. “All that matters is that we are united,” he declared, projecting confidence that a “great American majority” would rise to support the Republican agenda.
As the convention unfolds, the stakes for both parties are high, with the potential for significant shifts in Congress that could influence the trajectory of national policies for years to come.
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Mascaro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Thomas Beaumont and Jamie Stengle in Dallas, Will Weissert, Steven Sloan, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, JJ Cooper in Phoenix, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa, and Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.
