Republicans are gathering in Dallas for an unusual 2026 GOP midterm convention, an event backed by President Donald Trump and designed to energize voters, raise money and highlight key Republican candidates ahead of the elections in November.

Candidates from both battleground and safe seats are planning to attend the convention despite potential political risks. The convention will feature more than 100 speakers, with Trump serving as both the keynote speaker on Wednesday night and the closing speaker on Thursday.

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.

Attendees wait for Trump to arrive after the first night of speakers at the convention on Wednesday.
Attendees wait for Trump to arrive after the first night of speakers at the convention on Wednesday.
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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.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
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.
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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.
Tristen Rouse/CNN