Republicans Rally Around Trump and Vance as Midterm Battle Takes Center Stage

DALLAS (AP) — Republicans closed their midterm convention Thursday with a message of unity, urgency and confidence, urging voters to preserve the party’s majorities in Congress and give President Donald Trump the support needed to advance his agenda during the final two years of his term.

Vice President JD Vance delivered the convention’s prime-time address before Trump, drawing enthusiastic chants of “JD! JD!” from the crowd at American Airlines Center. The response underscored Vance’s growing stature within the Republican Party and offered a glimpse of a potential post-Trump future, even as the president remains the party’s dominant political figure.

“It is pretty cool to hear a crowd that is this fired up chant your name, so go ahead and do it again,” Vance said. The audience quickly complied.

Vance has not announced whether he will seek the presidency in 2028, and Trump has not endorsed a successor. Still, many Republicans see the vice president as one of the party’s strongest emerging leaders.

Bruce Johnston, a 62-year-old Republican who drove 29 hours from Delaware with his son to attend the convention, said the party has “a deep bench” of capable candidates.

His son, Anthony Johnston, said he believes Vance is being prepared for a larger role.

“No one’s Trump,” he said. “But I like him a lot.”

The immediate focus, however, is the November midterm election, where Republicans are working to defend narrow House and Senate majorities. Historically, the president’s party often loses ground in midterms, but Republicans are betting that Trump’s political energy, policy record and strong connection with the GOP base can overcome that trend.

Trump acknowledged the historical challenge during his Wednesday night address but urged supporters to treat the election as a direct choice about his leadership.

“Pretend I’m on the ballot,” he told the crowd.

The convention highlighted Republican priorities, including the party’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which leaders describe as a package of tax relief and spending reductions. House Speaker Mike Johnson framed the election as a choice between Republican “common sense” and what he called an increasingly radical Democratic agenda.

“It truly is a contrast between common sense and crazy,” Johnson said. “We cannot and we will not allow them to take the majority in Congress.”

Republicans also emphasized public safety, border enforcement, economic growth and national strength. Speakers warned that a Democratic takeover would lead to investigations of the Trump administration and empower the party’s most liberal members.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, another potential future presidential contender, rallied delegates with a forceful appeal for Republican unity.

“We must stand and defeat the communists,” Cruz said. “We must stay America.”

Democrats held counterprogramming events in Texas, criticizing the convention as extravagant and arguing that families remain concerned about grocery prices and affordability. Protesters marched near the convention site but were kept away by police.

Republican enthusiasm remained visible despite the party’s challenges. Vance raised $2 million for the Republican National Committee at a Dallas fundraiser earlier Thursday, according to a person familiar with the event. Delegates from key battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, joined Ohio Republicans in chanting his name.

The convention also honored conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the anniversary of his assassination, commemorated the Sept. 11 attacks and featured candidates using personal stories, humor and patriotic themes to energize supporters.

Trump closed the gathering by predicting that voters would preserve Republican control of Congress.

“The great American majority is going to stand up,” he said, “and continue to Make America Great Again.”

PHOTO- Vice President JD Vance arrives on the stage at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)