The Hill's flagship political program, Rising, is set to deliver live primetime coverage of a historic Republican National Committee (RNC) midterm convention, marking the first such event in modern American politics. The two-day gathering, scheduled for September 9-10 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EDT, will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are slated to deliver keynote addresses on both nights, aiming to energize the GOP base and rally support for Republican congressional candidates as the 2026 midterm elections enter their final stretch. The event underscores the party's strategy to leverage Trump's enduring influence to maintain control of Congress.
Rising's coverage will be anchored by co-hosts Robby Soave and Lindsey Granger, alongside The Hill's White House columnist Niall Stanage and Daily Caller Editor-in-Chief Amber Duke. The broadcast will also feature special appearances from NewsNation's Katie Pavlich and Chris Stirewalt, with additional contributions from The Hill's campaign reporters, Nexstar correspondents, and political analysts.
The program promises sharp analysis and expert commentary on the unprecedented nature of the convention, which is designed to showcase Trump's second-term achievements and set the narrative for the upcoming elections. The stakes are particularly high for Republicans, who are fighting to preserve their slim majorities in both chambers of Congress.
According to a recent report, Trump's Dallas rally is expected to draw thousands of supporters, but it also comes amid internal party tensions. Several key Senate and House Republicans have opted to skip the Dallas convention, a sign of the delicate balancing act facing party leadership as they navigate Trump's polarizing influence.
Political strategists have noted that Trump's spending choices and recent controversial statements, including his so-called 'New America' posts, could hurt the party's midterm odds. Some analysts argue that the midterms won't cure America's deepening political rift, as the nation remains sharply divided along partisan lines.
Despite these concerns, the convention is expected to be a show of force for the GOP, with Trump taking the stage both nights to deliver a message of unity and victory. The Rising broadcast will provide viewers with real-time updates, in-depth interviews, and on-the-ground reporting from Dallas, offering a comprehensive look at the political dynamics at play.
As the midterms approach, the Dallas convention serves as a critical test for the Republican Party's ability to coalesce around a common agenda while appealing to a broad electorate. Rising's coverage aims to capture the high-stakes drama and strategic maneuvering that will define the final weeks of the campaign season.
