Republicans concluded an unprecedented two-day midterm convention in Dallas designed to energize the party's base before the November legislative elections. The event served as a spectacle featuring President Donald Trump as the star, with the party continuing to bet on his political magnetism.
Closing the first-ever GOP midterm convention on Thursday night, President Trump led supporters in a pledge to vote Republican. Despite low approval ratings in most polls, Trump urged attendees to pretend he was on the ballot as he rallied the party ahead of challenging elections.
Vice President JD Vance also took center stage in a speech viewed as an early test of his own White House prospects. During his remarks on the final night, Vance labeled Democrats the party of hatred and urged Republicans to stay united amid rifts over Trump's war in Iran.
The convention's conclusion was marked by protesters gathering as Republicans sought to rally their base for the consequential elections. The event allowed Trump to relish his role as the party's dominant leader while providing a significant moment for Vance to rail against Democrats.