The midterm election season will come in full force with a splash after Labor Day, for Republicans, anyway.
Republicans are hosting the first midterm convention in modern history. Usually, the parties host political conventions during in presidential election years, where they formally nominate their respective candidates.
President Donald Trump has acknowledged the historical uphill battle that his party faces, as it is rare for a president’s party to gain House seats after the midterms. Despite his low approval ratings, Trump told Fox News’ Trey Gowdy on Aug. 30 that he thought his party would do well in the midterms.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to speak at the event. But questions still remain about how many candidates will take time away from campaigning to travel to Dallas, Texas, for an appearance as the campaign season in their districts ramps up. Here is what to know about it, and how to tune in.
When is Trump speaking at the midterm convention?
The president is scheduled to give the keynote address on the second night, Thursday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. ET.
Who else is speaking at the midterm convention?
Vance will deliver the keynote address on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9 p.m. ET. The Republican National Committee lists over 100 “items/speakers” on the agenda across the two nights, some of whom are expected to be candidates.
When is the Republican midterm convention?
The Republican Midterm Convention will take place Sept. 9-10, from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
How to watch the Republican midterm convention
The program will be available on C-SPAN, which announced it will provide the only complete, uninterrupted television coverage of the midterm convention. The outlet said coverage will be available on its website, television and radio stations, and on C-SPAN’s YouTube channel. Tune in here: September 9 and September 10.
Fox News, NewsNation and CNN are also expected to cover the event. USA TODAY also reached out to ABC, NBC and CBS about its coverage plans.
Contributing: Zac Anderson, Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky and TikTok.