Republicans Center Trump in Dallas Midterm Convention Amid Concerns

Republicans are increasingly looking to an unusual midterm convention in Dallas next month to revive party momentum, as voters sour on the economy and the war with Iran.

The Sept. 9-10 gathering is now seen by party leaders as a major opportunity to energize conservative voters and defend Republican control of Congress. Organizers plan to put President Donald Trump at the center of the convention, highlighting his tax cuts, immigration policies, and other administration priorities. Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre stated the convention would provide momentum to expand majorities in November.

Some GOP strategists initially dismissed the convention as a distraction. Concerns exist among some Republicans that tying vulnerable candidates too closely to an unpopular president, given Trump's 33% approval rating, could backfire. Signs indicate some candidates in competitive races prefer to stay home. Rep. Tom Barrett, facing a difficult Michigan reelection battle, plans to skip Dallas to campaign in his district.

At a Michigan GOP nominating convention over the weekend, President Donald Trump's name was barely mentioned by candidates like Senate candidate Mike Rogers, attorney general nominee Doug Lloyd, and Secretary of State candidate Anthony Forlini.