Vulnerable House Republicans embrace Trump as GOP bets on defying midterm history

Republicans Hold Midterm Convention Featuring Trump Speeches as Party Aims to Retain House and Senate Majorities

DALLAS — President Donald Trump delivered keynote addresses at the first Republican midterm convention held at the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9, 2026. The two-day event included speeches from Cabinet officials, Republican members of Congress, and candidates. Organizers presented the gathering as an effort to maintain the party's majorities in the House and Senate during the midterm elections.

Historical data shows that the president's party has lost seats in Congress in most midterm elections since World War II. Republicans at the convention stated they expected different results in 2026. Trump told attendees, "I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot."

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., said during the event that voters in 2024 elected Republicans to deliver policy changes on border security and tax legislation. He attributed potential midterm outcomes to differences in party positions. Mackenzie represents one of several districts identified by both parties as competitive.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., stated that engagement with the president occurs regardless of party. He noted past interactions with both Trump and former President Joe Biden. Lawler and Mackenzie appeared on stage along with Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa. These three incumbents face Democratic challengers in districts rated as competitive by election analysts.

Lawler introduced two residents from his district during the convention. The residents described the death of their daughter in Chicago, which they attributed to an individual present in the country illegally. Republicans have cited immigration enforcement as a central campaign issue.

Trump has held campaign events in the districts of Mackenzie, Lawler, and Bresnahan in recent months. Additional candidates from competitive races also attended, including Eric Flores, who is running in a South Texas district held by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas. Flores described border conditions during the prior administration as a humanitarian crisis and referenced his prior work as a federal prosecutor.

The convention featured discussion of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which included tax provisions passed during the current Congress. Speakers presented these measures as accomplishments for Republican candidates to highlight.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale issued a statement criticizing Mackenzie, Bresnahan, and Rep. Scott Perry for attending the event. The statement said the lawmakers prioritized an agenda that included tariffs and healthcare policy changes over other state priorities. Scott Perry did not appear at the convention, according to reports from the event.

Democrats have stated they plan to link Republican candidates to Trump in campaign messaging, citing the 2018 midterm results when several Republican incumbents lost seats. Party leaders have identified additional Republican-held districts as targets beyond the three incumbents who spoke in Dallas.

Republican candidates described Democratic positions as disconnected from voter priorities in battleground areas. Democratic responses have focused on specific policy differences, including energy costs and federal spending measures.

The convention occurred roughly two months before the November elections. Both parties continue to campaign on border security, tax policy, and economic conditions. Election outcomes will determine control of the House and Senate for the final two years of Trump's term.

Rep. Lawler said constructive engagement between parties can produce legislative results. Mackenzie pointed to specific 2024 campaign promises on border measures and tax relief as reasons for continued Republican support. Flores referenced his experience along the border and contrasted administration approaches to enforcement.

Public polling conducted in the weeks before the convention showed variation in Trump's approval ratings. Republicans at the event projected confidence in retaining majorities despite those figures. Democrats have argued that association with the president will mobilize opposition voters in suburban and competitive districts.

The event marked an organized effort by the Republican National Committee and congressional leadership to coordinate messaging ahead of the midterms. Attendance included candidates from multiple states running in both safe and contested seats. Time will determine whether the strategy affects turnout or vote margins in November.