Escalation: Donald Trump headlines Dallas convention

Republicans opened their first national midterm convention in Dallas on Sept. 9. The two-day gathering at the American Airlines Center is built around President Donald Trump, with appearances planned both nights.

The arena holds about 20,000 people. Trump is set to watch from a suite when he is not on stage, at a convention he conceived to showcase loyalty and galvanize voters ahead of the Nov. 3 elections.

Vice President JD Vance is slated to deliver a keynote on Thursday. With Trump’s approval at 33%, some Republican candidates are keeping their distance, even as the schedule puts him at the center of the party’s midterm push.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources