GOP bets on energizing the base at Dallas midterm convention amid turnout jitters

Republicans are staging a Dallas midterm convention aimed at energizing the base and boosting fundraising, but concerns over optics and logistics—such as steep entrance fees, two days away from campaigns, and a clash with NFL games—have some lawmakers questioning the value. Trump’s central role dominates discussion, with some candidates skipping or staying away, while others attend to court battleground voters. Democrats, meanwhile, press to flip seats in red states as the final stretch before Election Day intensifies, making the convention a high-stakes stage to define the GOP’s message and momentum.