World

Trump Urges GOP Faithful to Vote as Republicans Brace for Midterm Battle

By AP

President Donald Trump took the stage on the closing night of the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday, September 10, 2026, urging attendees to "go out and vote" in order to protect the party's congressional majorities in November. Trump praised Vice President J.D. Vance, whose keynote address was widely seen as a signal of potential political ambitions beyond the Trump presidency. Though Vance has not confirmed any future White House run, and Trump has not designated a successor, the crowd chanted "JD! JD!" as he approached the podium. Trump organized the event to energize supporters who typically show up for him but not necessarily for other Republican candidates. "You got to do me the biggest favor you've ever done," Trump told the audience, later leading a call-and-response pledge committing attendees to vote on November 3. In his remarks, Vance sharply criticized Democrats, labeling them "the party of hatred," and called for Republican unity despite internal disagreements over issues such as the war in Iran. "Don't give the country over to a bunch of crazy people because you happen to disagree with us on a policy issue here or there," he said. Republicans are bracing for a difficult November as they try to boost enthusiasm among congressional candidates amid voter concerns over the economy and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Many Republicans skipped the convention at Dallas' American Airlines Center, though others view alignment with Trump as their best political strategy despite his low approval ratings. Over two nights, speakers repeatedly criticized Democrats as extremists. On Wednesday, Trump made a widely criticized pledge to give $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans win the midterms — a proposal that budget analysts estimate could cost over $1 trillion and which drew criticism even from within his own party. Meanwhile, House Democrats holding counter-events in Texas condemned the convention as excessive and out of touch. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said, "As Donald Trump and J.D. Vance party away for two days, the average American family can't afford the groceries. Donald Trump does not care about the average American family or about affordability." Protesters chanting slogans against Trump marched nearby but were kept away from the venue by police. Vance's keynote speech touched on his family life, including his wife Usha's recent birth of their fourth child, and outlined a political vision closely aligned with Trump's agenda. When a protester holding a Mexican flag interrupted his remarks, Vance responded with a comment that drew loud approval from the crowd: "Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your a** over there. I'll buy you a plane ticket." He added, "This country was handed down to us by our parents and their parents before them. We received this national birthright, and we are going to fight for it by electing Republicans this November." Vance, who also chairs fundraising for the Republican National Committee, raised $2 million for the party earlier that day at a Dallas fundraiser, according to a source familiar with the event. Trump's political operation is also funding key races; a PAC called No Going Back Inc., reportedly linked to his MAGA Inc. group, has reserved more than $68 million in advertising for the midterms, according to a person familiar with the arrangement. The second night of the convention featured vulnerable Republican lawmakers and challengers in competitive races, along with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, seen as another potential future presidential candidate, who criticized Democrats sharply. Falling on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the evening included solemn tributes, as well as a video honoring Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated one year earlier. Turning Point Vice President Lucas Miles said, "His voice has only grown louder." Donald Trump Jr. also spoke, honoring Kirk and criticizing Democrats to chants of "USA!" Representative Mike Lawler, campaigning for reelection in New York, appeared alongside the family of Sheridan Gorman, a woman fatally shot in Chicago, presenting a "buddy bench" symbol for Congress. Officials have charged a man they say was in the country illegally in connection with her death. In a lighter moment, Nevada congressional candidate Marty O'Donnell led the audience in singing a jingle he composed for Flintstones vitamins. The convention's themes reflected what House Speaker Mike Johnson called the "Contrast for America," highlighting Republicans' economic legislation, dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill," which includes tax cuts and spending reductions. The phrase echoes former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America." Johnson said, "It truly is a contrast between common sense and crazy. We cannot and we will not allow them to take the majority in Congress." With Republican control of both the House and Senate at stake, the outcome of the midterms will likely hinge on a small number of competitive races. Historically, presidents have acknowledged midterm setbacks — former President Obama called his 2010 losses a "shellacking," and former President George W. Bush described his as a "thumping." Trump, however, has frequently rejected the idea of defeat, including his continued false claims about winning the 2020 election. Stewart Rhodes, a former Oath Keepers leader pardoned by Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, also appeared at the convention. On Wednesday, Trump predicted that "the great American majority is going to stand up and continue to Make America Great Again. And we will make our voices heard, perhaps like never before."