Republicans are gathering in Dallas for their first 2026 midterm convention, placing President Donald Trump at the center of an effort to retain control of Congress. Trump, who is term-limited, will deliver a prime-time keynote address during the two-day event, while dozens of Republican speakers are set to defend his record. Organizers have compared the gathering to one of Trump's campaign rallies. The convention is intended to showcase Republican achievements, energize voters who do not consistently participate in midterm elections and frame the contest against Democrats. Trump is scheduled to speak on both nights, with Vice President JD Vance headlining the second evening. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Republicans will present their policy agenda and contrast it with what he describes as an increasingly extreme Democratic Party. Republicans face historical midterm headwinds alongside voter concerns about inflation, gasoline prices, the war with Iran and Trump's approval ratings. A Reuters/Ipsos survey released at the end of August put Trump's approval at 33%, while another Reuters/Ipsos poll gave Democrats a 5-point lead on the generic congressional ballot and found Trump's job approval 25 points underwater. A Fox News national poll found that three out of four voters said inflation had caused financial hardship and 54% expected the economy to worsen. The GOP retains a financial advantage, with the Republican National Committee ending July with $130 million in cash compared with $16 million for the Democratic National Committee, which reported $18 million in debt. MAGA Inc. has a war chest of more than $400 million. Democrats are emphasizing affordability and health-care costs while arguing that the Dallas gathering further ties Republican candidates to Trump and his economic record.