DALLAS: US President Donald Trump’s Republican Party is increasingly looking to a major convention in Dallas next month as an opportunity to rebuild political momentum ahead of the November midterm elections.

Party officials, donors and convention planners say the September 9-10 gathering could help Republicans rally supporters around Trump’s agenda at a time when polls show growing voter frustration over the economy, living costs and the war with Iran.

The event will be the first major national Republican convention specifically held during the midterm cycle, making it an unusual political gathering outside the traditional four-year presidential election schedule.

When Republicans first announced the Dallas convention earlier this year, some party strategists questioned whether the event was necessary.

Critics argued that the gathering could become a distraction as congressional candidates entered the final stages of their campaigns, particularly because there was no formal party business requiring a national convention.

However, months of negative headlines surrounding the war and rising household costs have changed the political calculations for some Republicans.

Party officials now believe the convention could provide a platform to remind voters of the administration’s policies and achievements while attempting to strengthen Republican enthusiasm before the November 3 election.

The convention is expected to place Donald Trump at the centre of the Republican campaign, with organisers planning to highlight his policies on taxes, immigration and the economy.

Republicans also plan to showcase Americans they say have benefited from Trump’s policies while portraying Democrats as increasingly influenced by socialist ideas and activists.

Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said the gathering would be designed to mobilise voters behind Trump’s agenda.

She said Republicans would highlight efforts to reduce drug prices, cut taxes and strengthen security along the southern border with Mexico.

Baldassarre also argued that Trump has a unique ability to motivate Republican voters and said the convention could help the party expand its congressional majorities in November.

Not every Republican is convinced that placing Trump at the centre of the event will help candidates.

Some strategists warn that Trump’s relatively low approval rating could become a liability for lawmakers competing in closely contested districts and states.

Trump’s approval rating was reported at 33% in the material reviewed for the report, raising concerns among some Republicans about whether candidates should associate themselves more closely with the president.

The war with Iran and the continuing debate over its economic impact could also complicate the party’s message.

Some strategists believe voters are more concerned about the cost of living than political rallies and could respond negatively if the convention does not address everyday economic pressures.

It remains uncertain how many congressional candidates will take part in the two-day event.

Advisers to three Republican campaigns in competitive districts told Reuters that they had not yet been informed whether their candidates would receive speaking opportunities.

Reuters contacted campaigns in 37 competitive House races and eight closely contested Senate races to ask about attendance and speaking plans.

Of the 45 campaigns contacted, only one provided a substantive response. Republican Representative Tom Barrett, who is seeking re-election in a competitive Michigan race, plans to skip the convention and remain focused on campaigning in his district.

His strategist, Jason Cabel Roe, said Barrett’s priority was reaching voters where the election was being contested.

Organisers Expect 30,000 Attendees

Despite concerns among some candidates, organisers are expecting a large turnout.

Republican donor and convention co-chair Ray Washburne told Reuters that organisers expect around 30,000 people to attend the event.

That figure would reportedly exceed the seating capacity of Dallas’ American Airlines Center by approximately 8,000 people.

Washburne said organisers had raised $42 million and expected the event to be fully funded.

The timing could nevertheless create logistical problems because the convention takes place shortly after the start of the school year.

One state Republican Party chair reportedly returned a significant portion of the delegation’s allocated seats after members said they could not make the schedule work.

JD Vance and Trump to Address Convention

While organisers have not released a complete list of speakers, Washburne said most members of Trump’s Cabinet would attend.

He also said that many candidates involved in competitive races were expected to participate.

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak on September 9, while Trump is expected to address the convention on September 10.

Republican organisers believe the appearances could generate significant media coverage and provide candidates with an opportunity to connect their campaigns to the national Republican message.

Some Republican strategists remain doubtful that a rally-style event will significantly change voter sentiment.

South Carolina-based Republican strategist Dave Wilson said the convention would need to present a meaningful response to the cost-of-living concerns dominating voters’ priorities if it is to have a substantial political impact.

He questioned whether a large event in Dallas could influence voters thousands of miles away in states such as Wyoming and South Carolina.

The concern reflects a broader challenge facing the Republican Party: turning enthusiasm generated by a national political event into votes for individual congressional candidates.

Beyond its political messaging, the Dallas gathering is expected to become an important fundraising and networking event.

The Republican National Committee has already launched a website selling official convention merchandise, including hats, T-shirts and mugs.

Washburne said the event would give candidates an opportunity to gain media exposure and promote their campaigns.

Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, whose campaign has faced controversy, was cited as one Republican who could benefit from the increased attention generated by holding the convention in his home state.

However, some candidates remain cautious about appearing too closely aligned with Trump, particularly those seeking support from independent voters.

The Dallas convention comes at a crucial moment for Republicans as Democrats mount a serious challenge to the party’s control of both chambers of Congress.

Republican enthusiasm reportedly trails Democratic enthusiasm in some polls, increasing pressure on party leaders to energise their base.

The convention therefore represents both an opportunity and a political gamble.

Republican leaders believe Trump’s presence can strengthen turnout and reinforce the party’s national message. Critics within the party fear that his low approval ratings and the economic consequences of the Iran war could instead overshadow congressional candidates.

With the midterm election approaching, Republicans will be watching closely to see whether the Dallas gathering can translate national attention into voter enthusiasm, campaign donations and ultimately electoral gains.