AUSTIN, Texas — Preparations were underway in downtown Dallas as the Republican National Committee readied its first-ever midterm convention, set to begin Wednesday.
The RNC announced more than 100 speakers over the weekend, including President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz. Vance is scheduled to deliver the keynote Wednesday night, with Trump delivering the presidential keynote Thursday.
With the convention coming to Dallas and one of the nation’s most-watched Senate races unfolding in Texas, political attention has focused on the state. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, and polls have shown a tight race.
The two-day event is expected to draw about 20,000 people, CBS News reported. Security preparations were already changing parts of downtown, with tents, gates and other measures going up around the American Airlines Center.
Now, people entering parts of the security perimeter will have to go through checkpoints. Road closures are also planned, and DART’s Victory Station will close during the convention.
The political spotlight extends beyond the convention itself. Over the weekend, a political group aligned with President Trump launched a $10 million advertising blitz in the Texas Senate race, described as its first major midterm spending. Paxton is also scheduled to speak at the convention.
Democrats are also planning activity outside the convention, including demonstrations, rallies and other events during the RNC, CBS News reported.