President Donald Trump closed out the first-ever 2026 GOP midterm convention, an event designed to energize voters, raise money and highlight key Republican candidates ahead of the elections in November.

Candidates from both battleground and safe seats attended the convention despite potential political risks. The convention featured more than 100 speakers.

The event comes after Trump pressed for a convention-style gathering in 2026, prompting Republican leaders to amend rules that traditionally called for conventions only during presidential election years.

A young woman takes a picture with balloons as they fall from the ceiling on Thursday.
A young woman takes a picture with balloons as they fall from the ceiling on Thursday.
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Attendees clear the floor after the convention wraps on Thursday.
Attendees clear the floor after the convention wraps on Thursday.
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Vice President JD Vance speaks in Dallas. He made a direct appeal to undecided voters who have soured on the Republican Party over the Iran war and other issues. At one point, his speech was greeted by <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F09%2F10%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Ftrump-midterm-convention-live-updates%3Fpost-id%3Dcmtwapxqs00053b6robn83grz">chants of “JD 48,”</a> suggesting the Republican faithful want him to succeed Trump and become the 48th president.
Vice President JD Vance speaks in Dallas. He made a direct appeal to undecided voters who have soured on the Republican Party over the Iran war and other issues. At one point, his speech was greeted by chants of “JD 48,” suggesting the Republican faithful want him to succeed Trump and become the 48th president.
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A woman wears American flag pants and glittery cowboy boots, while a man with a jacket sports various "America 250" pins on Thursday.
A woman wears American flag pants and glittery cowboy boots, while a man with a jacket sports various "America 250" pins on Thursday.
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Donald Trump, Jr. speaks on Thursday.
Donald Trump, Jr. speaks on Thursday.
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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sits in a VIP box. Johnson framed the November contest as the “most important midterm election” the country has seen, pitching it as a choice between common sense and communism.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sits in a VIP box. Johnson framed the November contest as the “most important midterm election” the country has seen, pitching it as a choice between common sense and communism.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee for US Senate in Michigan, speaks at the GOP Midterm Convention, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, September 10.
Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee for US Senate in Michigan, speaks at the GOP Midterm Convention, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, September 10.
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State delegation signs are seen on Thursday.
State delegation signs are seen on Thursday.
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An attendee takes a selfie near a convention logo.
An attendee takes a selfie near a convention logo.
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Attendees cheer as Laurie Buckhout, the Republican nominee for North Carolina’s first congressional district, speaks.
Attendees cheer as Laurie Buckhout, the Republican nominee for North Carolina’s first congressional district, speaks.
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People take pictures and find their seats on the convention floor.
People take pictures and find their seats on the convention floor.
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President Donald Trump takes the stage at the first-ever Republican midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday, September 9.
President Donald Trump takes the stage at the first-ever Republican midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday, September 9.
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Attendees wait for Trump to arrive after the first night of speakers at the convention on Wednesday, September 9, in Dallas.
Attendees wait for Trump to arrive after the first night of speakers at the convention on Wednesday, September 9, in Dallas.
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Men sport cowboy boots and oxford-style dress sneakers at the convention in the Lone Star State.
Men sport cowboy boots and oxford-style dress sneakers at the convention in the Lone Star State.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
TW Shannon, former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor in Oklahoma, departs the stage after speaking.
TW Shannon, former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor in Oklahoma, departs the stage after speaking.
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The "Trump Tribe of Texas" cheers on speakers during the convention.
The "Trump Tribe of Texas" cheers on speakers during the convention.
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US Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, speaks in a video message. Fetterman appeared in a surprise video, making clear that he is still a Democrat but condemned the rise of far-left voices in his own party.
US Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, speaks in a video message. Fetterman appeared in a surprise video, making clear that he is still a Democrat but condemned the rise of far-left voices in his own party.
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An attendee wears an orange Dolly Parton T-shirt.
An attendee wears an orange Dolly Parton T-shirt.
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Attendees hold up signs and cheer on the floor as the convention kicks off.
Attendees hold up signs and cheer on the floor as the convention kicks off.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
A woman looks through merchandise at a store in the convention hall.
A woman looks through merchandise at a store in the convention hall.
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State delegate sections are arranged on the main floor of the convention arena at American Airlines Center.
State delegate sections are arranged on the main floor of the convention arena at American Airlines Center.
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American flags wait in stadium seats ahead of attendees arriving on Tuesday, September 8.
American flags wait in stadium seats ahead of attendees arriving on Tuesday, September 8.
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