The Republican Party’s first midterm convention enters its final day Thursday with a Texas-heavy lineup, Vice President JD Vance scheduled for prime time and President Donald Trump expected to return to American Airlines Center before the two-day gathering concludes.
The Dallas Express is on-site in Dallas for the event, which the Republican National Committee describes as the party’s first midterm convention and a showcase for Republican candidates, administration accomplishments and policy priorities ahead of the November 3 elections.
The official convention schedule lists 56 speakers or program elements for Thursday, up from 53 on Wednesday. Programming is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Central and continue through the 8 p.m. hour.
Texas Takes Center Stage
Thursday’s lineup gives Texas political leaders a particularly visible role.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is scheduled during the opening hour, followed by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the 4 p.m. hour.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to open the 5 p.m. block, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott slated to appear later in the same hour.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson is scheduled during the 7 p.m. hour.
The hometown appearance gives Dallas a direct place in a convention that has brought national political attention to North Texas.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, the gathering marks a different kind of national political event for the city. Unlike a presidential nominating convention, there is no nomination or delegate roll call. Instead, the focus is on Republican candidates and the party’s midterm message.
Vance Gets One Of The Final Speaking Slots
Vance is scheduled for one of the convention’s highest-profile positions Thursday.
The RNC’s detailed schedule places the vice president in the 8 p.m. block, followed by another appearance by Trump and a performance by presidential tenor Christopher Macchio.
Trump used his Day 1 appearance to urge supporters to approach the midterms as though his own name were still on the ballot, as The Dallas Express previously covered.
Thursday gives Vance and other Republican leaders another opportunity to reinforce the party’s closing message before the convention ends.
RFK Jr., Donald Trump Jr. And Dallas Mayor Also Scheduled
Several nationally recognizable figures are scheduled during the final hours.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is listed in the 7 p.m. block, along with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Donald Trump Jr.
The official schedule also includes small-business owners, military family members and other guests whose appearances are tied to issues including health care, manufacturing, public safety and the economy.
Freed American Hostages Included In Opening Hour
One of Thursday’s more notable scheduled segments comes early in the program.
The RNC lists “Freed American Hostages” during the 3 p.m. hour. The public schedule does not identify those participants by name.
The same block includes Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church Dallas, congressional candidates and Patrick.
Later programming includes Navy spouse Catherine Rayner, manufacturer and small-business owner Mark LaMoncha, and Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah Coleman.
The RNC says the convention is designed to feature both candidates and the voices of Americans speaking about policy issues important to them.
Charlie Kirk Remembered On Anniversary
Thursday also marks one year since the September 10, 2025, assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was honored during Trump’s remarks on Wednesday night, which drew a passionate reaction from the audience.
The RNC’s Thursday schedule includes Pastor Lucas Miles, vice president of TPUSA Faith, during the 5 p.m. hour.
Trump Also Expected In Arlington
Trump’s North Texas schedule Thursday is also expected to include a stop outside Dallas.
The Dallas Express previously reported that the President is expected to visit the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington during the day.
He is to meet with Medal of Honor recipients and other invited guests before returning to Dallas for the convention’s closing program.
What To Watch On The Final Day
Thursday’s program builds on a first night featuring Trump, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Rep. Byron Donalds and dozens of other Republican candidates, officials and guests.
Day 2 puts additional attention on Texas leaders and administration officials before Vance and Trump are scheduled for the convention’s final hour.
According to the RNC, the broader purpose of the gathering is to showcase Republican candidates and unite supporters around the party’s agenda heading into November.
For Dallas, Thursday offers another full day in the national spotlight.
Provided by Dallas Express
