Jack Graham, senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, was among the initial speakers on Wednesday evening as the Republican Party launched its first national midterm convention at the American Airlines Center. The two-night gathering centered on President Trump and the Texas U.S. Senate race, with organizers scheduling him for a second appearance after initially planning only one.
During his Wednesday keynote, Trump proposed that every adult American citizen would receive a $5,000 payment following the midterms if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. He did not specify how these payments would be funded or whether congressional authorization was required, comparing the idea to previously enacted programs for children and service members.
Democratic members of Congress, gathered across the street from the arena on Thursday, called the proposal an "empty promise."
The event featured more than 100 speakers over six hours each night. House members were asked to pay at least $25,000 to attend with a guest, with higher packages priced near $100,000, and the Denton County Republican Party advertised packages from $5,000 to $20,000. Some Collin County Republican precinct chairs circulated a state party email offering free tickets that did not guarantee entry. The Dallas Host Committee reported raising $45 million in private donations in less than a month.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee, spoke Wednesday and attacked his Democratic opponent, state Rep. James Talarico. Trump pledged to visit Texas multiple more times to support Paxton’s campaign. Most recent polls indicate Talarico holds a narrow lead, while Trump’s political operation purchased $10 million in digital advertising for the race.
Security costs approached $2 million as police managed road closures and protests. More than 100 demonstrators marched through downtown on Thursday, leading to minor confrontations and two arrests. Other speakers included Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
