Republicans turn to Trump for midterm rescue as strategists fear plan could backfire

Republicans turn to Trump for midterm rescue as strategists fear plan could backfire When the Sept. 9-10 gathering was announced, some GOP strategists dismissed it as an unnecessary distraction weeks before the November midterms - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Republicans are increasingly looking to an unusual midterm convention in Dallas next month to revive the party’s momentum as voters sour on the economy and the war with Iran. When the Sept. 9-10 gathering was announced, some GOP strategists dismissed it as an unnecessary distraction weeks before the November midterms. Now, after months of difficult headlines over rising living costs and the Iran conflict, party leaders see the event as a major opportunity to energize conservative voters and defend Republican control of Congress. The convention will put President Donald Trump at its center, despite his 33% approval rating and concerns among some Republicans that tying vulnerable candidates too closely to an unpopular president could backfire. Organizers plan to highlight Trump’s tax cuts, immigration policies and other administration priorities while portraying Democrats as increasingly influenced by socialists and the far left, according to a person familiar with the planning. “President Trump turns out voters like no other candidate, and this convention will provide the momentum needed to expand our majorities in November,” Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said. But signs suggest some candidates in competitive races would rather stay home. Campaigns for Republican candidates in three battleground districts said they had not been told whether their candidates would receive speaking slots. Of 45 competitive House and Senate campaigns contacted about their plans, only one provided a detailed response. Rep. Tom Barrett, locked in a difficult Michigan reelection battle, plans to skip Dallas and campaign in his district. “He's in a tough reelection campaign and his voters are in his district,” strategist Jason Cabel Roe said. Still, most of a dozen Republican officials, organizers and RNC members surveyed described the convention as the party’s best chance to boost enthusiasm at a time when polling suggests Democratic voters are more energized. “There is no better salesman for the country than Donald Trump,” Michigan RNC member Rob Steele said. “I don't think it's going to hurt at all.” Organizers expect roughly 30,000 people to attend and say they have raised $42 million, fully funding the event. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak Sept. 9, with Trump taking the stage the following day. Organizers also expect most of Trump’s Cabinet and candidates from competitive races to attend. But some Republicans remain unconvinced that a two-day spectacle in Dallas will change voters’ minds. South Carolina Republican strategist Dave Wilson said the convention would have limited impact unless Republicans use it to unveil a significant response to voters’ concerns about the cost of living. “I don't think the average Republican voter even knows there's a convention going on,” Wilson said. Another strategist working on a competitive race, who spoke anonymously, questioned whether candidates trying to win independents would benefit from being more closely associated with Trump. The gathering will also function as a major fundraising and networking event. The RNC is already selling convention merchandise, while donor and convention co-chair Ray Washburne said candidates could use the national attention to boost their campaigns. For Republicans, the gamble is whether a convention built around Trump can recreate the enthusiasm he has traditionally generated among GOP voters — or simply remind frustrated Americans why some vulnerable candidates are trying to keep their campaigns focused closer to home. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] DALLAS 2026 DALLAS