Democrats call the gathering a political “circus” as Republicans hope it boosts turnout before November.
By Joseph Morton,
Washington Bureau
President Donald Trump speaks before signing a presidential memo to the EPA on pollution control in vehicles, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, June 29, 2026, in Washington.Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press
Trump announced the convention in a social media post, calling it a “truly Historic Event” that would celebrate what he described as the country’s “Great American Comeback” and his administration’s accomplishments.
He said the two-day event would feature elected officials, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, first responders and entertainers, although he did not name them.
“A RALLY like none other,” Trump wrote of the event, in “one of my favorite places in the World.”
Democrats quickly dismissed the Trump-led gathering as a political “circus,” saying Texans are more concerned about the cost of groceries, housing, healthcare and insurance.
“Of course, they’re having it here,” said Kendall Scudder, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. “Texas is absolutely in play and they are terrified that they’re about to lose here.”
The Dallas Morning News reported in March that the city was under consideration after representatives from the national Republican Party toured the American Airlines Center. That will be the convention site, according to Dallas developer Ray Washburne, a prominent GOP donor who is co-chairing the event with his wife.
Washburne said organizers expect about 20,000 people each night.
“It’s something that the party has wanted to do for a while,” said Washburne, a former Republican National Committee finance chairman.
Visit Dallas CEO Craig Davis said planning has been underway for at least six months, with hotels already negotiating significant room blocks.
He said the event could provide a welcome boost to Dallas hotels and restaurants as convention business has slowed during the expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center downtown.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the hospitality community,” he said.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, chairman of the Republican Mayors Association, called the convention “a tremendous honor” and said it reflects Dallas’ status as “America’s top destination for business, families and major events.”
Looking for boost
The announcement makes official what Attorney General Ken Paxton, now the Republican Senate nominee running against Democrat James Talarico, said earlier in June: Dallas had been chosen to host the convention, giving Texas GOP candidates a national platform.
Unlike the national conventions that parties hold every four years to nominate presidential candidates, the September gathering is intended to energize Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump will not be on the ballot, and Republicans hope the convention will boost turnout among the party’s base in races that will determine control of Congress. Republicans have only slim majorities in Washington, and the party in power normally loses ground in the midterms.
It also gives Texas an unusually prominent role in a campaign season that features one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races, between Paxton and Talarico.
In his announcement, Trump highlighted his push to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, strengthen border security and lower costs. He said the convention would celebrate the administration’s record as the country marks its 250th birthday.
“Dallas will take center stage on September 9th and 10th,” Trump wrote, “as we celebrate our Nation, our achievements, and together, chart the course for an even brighter American future.”
Democrats’ jab
Scudder, the Democratic chief, accused Republicans of prioritizing wealthy interests over everyday Texans.
“They have built a government for the billionaire class and the regular rank and file folks in Texas aren’t taking it anymore, so they’re doing anything they can to try to cling to power in Texas.”
Asked whether he was concerned the convention would fire up Republican voters this fall, Scudder dismissed the idea.
“Why would you get worried because the circus came into town,” he said. “Just because clowns show up doesn’t mean that there’s something to be afraid of.”
The September event will require local officials, police and hospitality leaders to prepare for a major political convention on a far shorter timeline than presidential convention host cities typically face.
Dave Brown, general manager of the American Airlines Center, said, “We’re ready and we’ll be a good host.”
Brown said there has been “a lot of work in the background” ahead of the formal announcement.
“So we’ll be prepared, the city will be prepared, and we expect it to be a very successful event for the president,” he said.
The last time Dallas hosted a national political convention was in 1984, when Republicans renominated President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush, who went on to win reelection in a landslide.
Political writer Gromer Jeffers Jr. and staff writers Everton Bailey Jr. and Devyani Chhetri in Dallas contributed to this report.
Joseph Morton covers the intersection of business and politics in the Washington Bureau. Before joining The News, Joseph worked for CQ Roll Call and the Omaha World-Herald. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
