Vance downplays ‘Trumpapalooza’ convention GOP no-shows
“That doesn’t concern me,” JD Vance said of Republicans opting out of the convention, adding that candidates in close races have a lot to juggle.
The Republican midterm convention is taking place in Texas over the next two days as the party tries to shore up support among voters in key races, including the state’s U.S. Senate race.
With the convention in Dallas, several Texas leaders and candidates are slated to appear at the American Airlines Center, with President Donald Trump delivering the keynote speech on the first night, Sept. 9.
Vice President JD Vance will give the keynote speech the second night, Sept. 10, with Trump giving the closing remarks that night as well.
Here’s who from Texas will be speaking and when.
Texas Republicans scheduled to speak at the GOP Midterm Convention
The convention will span two days, with speakers and presentations running from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night, with several Texas lawmakers, leaders and candidates taking the stage.
Day 1, Sept. 9 —
3 p.m. panel
- Rep. Monica De La Cruz — Representing Texas’ 15th Congressional District, she will speak on the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and the party’s plans to expand tax relief for working families.
- Carlos De La Cruz — He is the Republican candidate in Texas’ 35th Congressional District and will join Monica De La Cruz for a presentation about tax breaks.
- U.S. HUD Secretary Scott Turner — From Richardson, Texas, Turner is the current housing and urban development secretary and will speak about fraud, waste and abuse at HUD.
4 p.m. panel
- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins — From Glen Rose, Texas, Rollins is the current agriculture secretary and will speak on “America the Beautiful. Where hard work is rewarded and Government works for The People.”
5 p.m. panel
- Rep. Brandon Gill — Representing Texas’ 26th Congressional District, he will speak on Republican values and how they “represent the mainstream, practical values of everyday Americans.”
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton — Paxton is not only the state’s attorney general but also the Republican candidate in the closely watched U.S. Senate race in Texas. Paxton’s speech will highlight a “winning strategy that puts more money in American pockets.”
8 p.m. keynote speech
Day 2, Sept. 10 —
Here is a brief look at who will be speaking on night two of the convention and when:
- Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (3 p.m. panel).
- Eric Flores, candidate for U.S. House (TX-34) (4 p.m. panel).
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (5 p.m. panel).
- Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson (7 p.m. panel).
- Vice President JD Vance (8 p.m. keynote speech).
- President Donald Trump (closing remarks).
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.