Trump and Vance to Headline RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas to Galvanize GOP Base

POLICY WIRE — Dallas, USA — President Trump will deliver the keynote speech this Wednesday to kick off the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention.

The event in Dallas serves as an unusual mid-cycle assembly of delegates and party officials, organized by the president to energize the GOP base before the November elections.

Vice President JD Vance, viewed as a likely successor to Trump, is scheduled to be the primary speaker on the second night of the convention.

The agenda also includes several other figures who are reportedly weighing potential runs for the presidency in 2028.

RNC representatives have confirmed a diverse roster of speakers, including high-ranking Cabinet secretaries, congressional leadership, and lawmakers closely aligned with the president.

Candidates vying for gubernatorial seats and seats in the House and Senate are also invited. While the full list of speakers is expected to grow, specific time slots have not been released.

The confirmed lineup, first reported by Axios, includes Attorney General Todd Blanche, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Donald Trump Jr.

Also appearing is Karoline Leavitt, the former White House press secretary who currently serves as an outside political adviser to the president.

Notably absent from the current speaking schedule are Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump has often mentioned Rubio as a possible future presidential candidate or a running mate for Vance. Meanwhile, aides for Hegseth have denied reports that he is considering a bid for the White House.

From the legislative branch, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming and House Speaker Mike Johnson are confirmed to speak.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is not on the speaking list following recent public disagreements with Trump, though he is still expected to be in Dallas for fundraising events.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is also invited to address the crowd. Paxton has struggled in polling and fundraising against his Democratic rival, James Talarico, in their Senate race.

To support Paxton, Trump recently made his first significant campaign contribution, transferring $10 million from the MAGA Inc. super PAC to Paxton’s campaign on Saturday.

Sen. Ted Cruz is also slated to speak; Cruz has previously expressed doubt that Vance will be the sole contender for the 2028 nomination.

Rounding out the Texas contingent is Governor Greg Abbott, who current polling indicates is maintaining a slim lead over Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)