Republicans invite supporters to a “Trump-a-palooza” in Dallas

Donald Trump will take center stage at a Republican gathering in Dallas next week, even though his name will not appear on the ballot in the November 3 congressional elections.

Organizers have branded the two-day event a "Trump-a-palooza" rather than a conventional party conference. Trump is scheduled to speak on both evenings and close the gathering with a keynote address. Vice President JD Vance is expected to open the meeting at the American Airlines Center.

The unusually prominent role for Trump reflects the stakes Republicans face. Pollsters say the party could lose its majority in the House of Representatives and possibly in the Senate. The elections, held midway through Trump's second term, represent the most important public test of his presidency.

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Even though his name is not on the ballot, his administration, his legacy and the America First agenda are.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the election is still about Trump, even without his name on the ballot. "Even though his name is not on the ballot, his administration, his legacy and the America First agenda are," Johnson said.

A loss of control of either chamber could turn Trump into a lame duck, allowing Democrats to block much of his agenda and potentially begin a third impeachment effort. It could also intensify Republican competition over the 2028 presidential nomination, with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio viewed as leading contenders. Johnson told party members that Republicans had a "real chance to defy history and win the midterms." Organizers plan to highlight Trump's tough immigration policies and tax cuts while again labeling Democrats communists.

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We have a real chance to defy history and win the midterms.