Ally Raskin, a Dallas mother, speaks during the Republican convention at American Airlines Center, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Just a few years ago, Ally Raskin had little interest in politics. A self-described Democrat, Raskin said she spent more time raising her two children than following campaigns.
Wednesday, the Dallas mother of two took the stage at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention to recount her break from the Democratic Party and embrace of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
Raskin delivered her message in front of a dark background with the faces of former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Bernie Sanders and other prominent Democrats.
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“America remains the greatest place in the world to build a life, raise a family and pursue the American dream. And that’s why I am here,” Raskin said on stage. “That’s why I found my political home, my voice, and I am ready to keep fighting for the principles I believe will keep America free and strong.”
Related: Mayor Eric Johnson prepares to welcome Trump to Dallas as questions build about the mayor’s future
Raskin is among a growing number of parents who say the COVID-19 pandemic pushed them toward MAHA, a movement championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Its focus has expanded beyond vaccine policy to focus on children’s health, food additives, chronic disease and environmental health. Kennedy is expected to highlight those priorities during his speech Thursday.
Supporters say MAHA reshaping national health policy. Critics argue it has also undermined confidence in established public health institutions.
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Turning point
Raskin said her political awakening began during the pandemic, when disagreements over masking, contact tracing and vaccine policies in Dallas schools convinced her the government was overstepping.
“They took my freedoms away. They took my children’s freedoms away,” she said.
Raskin said Trump’s decision to bring Kennedy into his administration cemented her support for the MAHA movement, calling it the “best day ever.”
“I am a free thinker, and I vote for who is going to defend my constitutional rights,” she said. “Right now, that’s the Republican Party.”
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Ally Raskin, a Dallas mother, speaks during the Republican convention at American Airlines Center, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Raskin said she has followed Kennedy’s work for years and viewed the partnership as a sign the administration would prioritize issues she cares about.
Raskin’s activism has expanded beyond local school board issues. She now serves as a Dallas County Republican precinct chair and was invited to speak at the convention about her political journey.
“They said, ‘We got your name, and we’ve been vetting you, and we’d like to ask you to speak,’” Raskin said. “I was so honored.”
MAHA promises
Raskin said she believes Republicans have begun delivering on MAHA’s promises, pointing to efforts to phase out synthetic food dyes, restore whole milk in schools and encourage healthier eating.
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She has noticed more restaurants and manufacturers moving away from seed oils and artificial ingredients, changes she sees as evidence the movement is influencing both government policy and the marketplace.
Raskin said she wants to see more action from the Environmental Protection Agency on issues such as chemical exposure, clean air and drinking water.
Related: Environmental justice efforts in North Texas hampered by Trump-era EPA rollbacks
She said those priorities should unite Americans regardless of partisan affiliation.
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“Healthy food, healthy water, healthy children, none of this should be political,” Raskin said.
What do you want to hear from Republicans at this convention?
Do you think midterm conventions will become a regular part of politics now?
Most RecentTop Responses
James R
Dallas, TX
09/09/26
Zero from attendees, it’s a campaigning event- no delegates, no nomination!! Get terms right.
No I don’t this event will be repeated until President’s popularity drops below 30% as it stands today on two campaign promises: no endless wars, economic grow like America ever saw.