Trump and Vance to Speak at Republican Convention in Dallas

President Donald Trump is set to give the main speech on the opening night of the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas. This is an unusual gathering held in the middle of an election cycle, between presidential elections. Trump called the meeting to energize Republican supporters before November's elections. It brings together party leaders, delegates, and candidates from across the country.

Vice President JD Vance will be the headline speaker on the second night of the convention. Vance is widely seen as one of the people most likely to run for president in 2028. Other politicians who are also thinking about running for president in 2028 are reportedly on the schedule too. The convention gives these leaders a chance to speak to loyal Republican supporters all at once.

Republican National Committee officials say the speaker list includes top Cabinet members, Republican leaders in Congress, and candidates running in important races. These races include seats in the House, Senate, and governor's offices around the country. The exact times for each speaker have not been announced yet. More speakers are expected to be added to the list as the event gets closer.

Some well-known names are already confirmed to speak at the convention. Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who now works as a political adviser to Trump, is on the list. So are Donald Trump Jr., Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These speakers are seen as close allies of President Trump.

Two high-profile Cabinet members are not currently on the speaker list. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are both absent from the schedule. Trump has mentioned Rubio as a possible future presidential candidate or running mate for Vance. Reports suggest Hegseth may also be thinking about a future run for the White House, but his team has denied this.

From Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming are both scheduled to appear. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is not on the speaker list. Thune and Trump have had public disagreements in recent months. Thune is still expected to travel to Dallas to attend fundraising events while the convention is happening.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is also invited to speak at the convention. Cruz has hinted that the 2028 presidential race will not be Vance's alone to win. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is on the list too, even though he is currently behind his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, in polls and fundraising. On Saturday, Trump gave Paxton a big boost by donating $10 million from his MAGA Inc. super PAC to help Paxton's Senate campaign.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is also scheduled to speak at the convention. Recent polls show Abbott with a narrow lead over his Democratic challenger, Gina Hinojosa. Both the Paxton and Abbott races are seen as important tests for the Republican Party in Texas. The Dallas convention is shaping up to be a major moment for Republicans as they look ahead to November.