Democrats are gearing up for a political counteroffensive as the Republican National Committee holds its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas next week, with the party hoping to use the gathering to fire up its base and spotlight a competitive Senate race in Texas.
The RNC's two-day event, dubbed by some as a “Trump-a-palooza,” comes as Republicans face a challenging midterm environment, with concerns over low attendance, timing, and the president's approval rating. The marquee race in the Lone Star State—between GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico—is expected to be a central focus, and Democrats see an opportunity to turn the spotlight on their own message.
“I don't know who we have to pay to thank the Republicans for doing this at this time, but I'm happy they're coming,” said Matt Angle, founder of the Lone Star Project, a Texas-based Democratic PAC. “It gives Democrats another event to organize around and another opportunity to make the case in a convincing way.”
More than a dozen progressive groups, labor unions, and grassroots organizations are planning rallies and demonstrations in downtown Dallas, including a protest on the steps of City Hall just before President Trump's closing-night speech. The event is organized by groups such as Next Generation Action Network, Powered by the People, Texas Democrats, and the AFL-CIO.
“Our main goal is not just simply to be a counter protest, not just to be against something,” said Samantha Mitchell, a co-leader of Indivisible Dallas. “Our main goal in this protest is to be for a new future, to be for a new administration, to be for a government that is more inclusive, a little bit more ethical, a little more humane for any marginalized groups.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Friday that a four-member House delegation will travel to Dallas to join the counterprogramming efforts. The delegation includes Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.). They will partner with local leaders and the Texas Democratic Party.
“While swing seat House Republicans try to hide from their record of raising costs on working families, gutting Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaire donors and supporting a reckless war of choice in Iran, House Democrats will be present to hold them accountable,” Jeffries said in a statement.
Rep. Crow echoed that sentiment on social media, writing, “Americans are being crushed by rising costs. Republicans don't care—they're in Dallas, celebrating an out of touch President whose tariffs and wars are making things worse. We're going to hold them accountable.”
The RNC expects thousands to attend, with Vice President Vance speaking on the first night and Trump delivering the keynote on Thursday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson are among the top GOP figures expected, along with Paxton. The NRCC has distributed over 2,000 tickets, and around 100 candidates and members are slated to appear.
Despite the fanfare, several lawmakers and candidates have opted to skip the convention, citing costs, scheduling conflicts, and campaign obligations. Still, RNC Chairman Joe Gruters touted the event as a chance to show “what's at stake in November.”
Democrats, however, are eager to highlight the contrast. Indivisible, a progressive grassroots network, recently added Texas to its Battlegrounds program, marking the first time in decades the state is seen as a battleground. Mitchell called the move “huge,” noting it gives her hope for flipping the state.
Talarico's campaign also announced a statewide “Love Thy Neighbor” food drive to counterprogram the convention, underscoring the high stakes in a race that could help determine Senate control. As the RNC gathers in Dallas, Democrats are betting that the event—and the attention it brings—will ultimately work in their favor.
