GOP's 'Trumpapalooza' Kicks Off in Dallas as Republicans Fight to Defy Midterm History

DALLAS — President Donald Trump took center stage Wednesday as Republicans launched their first-ever midterm convention, a two-day spectacle designed to energize the GOP base and counter Democratic momentum heading into the Nov. 3 elections. Dubbed “Trumpapalooza,” the event at the American Airlines Center features more than five hours of speeches from party leaders, battleground candidates, and administration officials, all aimed at blunting what polls suggest could be a tough cycle for the party in power.

With Trump’s approval ratings sagging amid the ongoing Iran war and persistent cost-of-living concerns, the convention is a calculated gamble: rally the faithful, but risk tying vulnerable candidates to an unpopular president. Several Republicans in tight races, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, are skipping the event, while others like Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton are embracing the spotlight.

Why Iowa Republicans Should Care About the Midterm Convention

For Iowa voters, the stakes are clear. Republicans hold a narrow lead in the state’s Senate race, according to Real Clear Politics polling averages, but Democrats are surging in battlegrounds nationwide. The convention is part of a broader strategy to boost GOP turnout among low-propensity voters, a demographic Trump has historically energized.

“We have the best showman that's ever existed in politics in Donald J. Trump,” said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. “He is someone who has delivered low-propensity voters three different times.”

Gruters brushed aside critics who call the convention a distraction, telling USA TODAY that the event gives the party “an opportunity to highlight all the great messaging” of Trump’s first two years in office and draw a sharp contrast with “radical socialists on the left.”

Trump Predicts Iran War Will End After Midterms

Speaking before departing for Dallas, Trump made a bold prediction: the Iran war will end “immediately after the election.” He argued that Iran is “desperate to try and affect the election” by prolonging the conflict, hoping for “a nice group of weak people” to take power in Washington.

Trump’s comments come as gas prices and economic anxiety weigh heavily on voters. The president has blamed the war for inflation and promised relief once hostilities cease, but critics question the timeline and the administration’s strategy.

Convention Speakers Blast Democrats as 'Communists'

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise set the tone early, declaring that “the Democrat Party has been completely taken over by crazy communists. I call it the Bolshevik revolution in the Democratic Party.” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer followed, quipping that “the communist party, excuse me the Democrats, have no leader.”

Scalise warned that a Democratic takeover of Congress would lead to Trump’s impeachment and a radical shift on immigration and law enforcement. “This is what happens if Republicans stay at home. Are you going to let that happen?” he asked the crowd.

Democrats Counterprogram with Attacks on Trump

Across the street, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker led Democratic counterprogramming, accusing Republicans of hiding Trump’s record on the war and the economy. “This bizarre Republican midterm convention here can't paper over the fact that Republicans have done nothing to earn your vote,” Pritzker said.

He slammed the GOP lineup, calling Texas Republicans Ted Cruz and Ken Paxton “a poster child for bad governance, bad morals and bad vibes, respectively.” Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender, launched a $20 million PAC this week to boost Democratic candidates.

Trump Tariffs on Canada Create GOP Fissures

While the convention aims for unity, Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada is exposing cracks. The president imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in goods after talks collapsed, prompting retaliation from Ottawa. Kansas Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, whose state hosts a Bombardier plant employing over 1,000 workers, pledged to fight for those jobs.

Sen. Collins, who is skipping the convention, successfully lobbied to exempt road salt and cement from the tariffs, saving a Maine border town $10,000 and a cement company $150,000 a month. The dispute underscores the local impact of national trade policy.

Texas Senate Race a Key Battleground

Texas is at the center of the midterm fight, with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico in a race rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. A new N+ Univision poll shows Talarico leading 48% to 43%, while the governor’s race between Greg Abbott and Gina Hinojosa is tied at 47%.

Trump has acknowledged the tight race, warning on a podcast that “Texas will be a disaster” if Talarico wins. Paxton, who ousted incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the primary with Trump’s endorsement, dismissed the polls but conceded “we definitely have a close race.”

What's Next for Republicans?

Trump plans to campaign in about three dozen competitive congressional races and host telerallies in the final month before Election Day. His super PAC, MAGA Inc., has raised over $400 million to deploy in local races.

But the president’s unpopularity remains a hurdle. Polls show approval ratings in the low 30s, with a Focaldata/Financial Times survey putting it at 32%. Trump dismissed the numbers as “Fake Polls” in a Truth Social post, claiming “the Spirit in our Country has never been higher.”

As the convention continues through Thursday, Republicans are betting that Trump’s showmanship can overcome historical headwinds. Whether that bet pays off will be decided by voters like those in Iowa, where the Senate race remains too close to call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Republican midterm convention?

The Republican midterm convention, dubbed “Trumpapalooza,” is a two-day event in Dallas designed to boost GOP enthusiasm and showcase candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. It is the first such convention in party history.

Why are some Republicans skipping the convention?

Several Republicans in competitive races, including Sens. Susan Collins and Dan Sullivan, are skipping to focus on their own campaigns. Some worry that being too closely tied to Trump, who has low approval ratings, could hurt their chances.

How does the convention affect Iowa?

Iowa’s Senate race is a key battleground, with Republicans holding a narrow lead. The convention is part of a national strategy to turn out GOP voters, which could influence down-ballot races in Iowa.

What is Trump’s strategy for the midterms?

Trump plans to campaign in about 35 competitive districts, host telerallies, and use his super PAC to fund local races. He is betting that his ability to mobilize low-propensity voters can overcome historical midterm losses.