Updated

At a Republican convention gathering in Dallas, President Trump declared he intends to be at the center of the 2026 US midterm elections, telling supporters to 'pretend I'm on the ballot' as he rallied the party ahead of what are seen as challenging midterm contests. Pennsylvania Senator J.D. Vance also spoke as the party sought to rally momentum heading into the elections. On day two of the convention, Trump and Vice President Vance headlined the closing session, continuing to bet on Trump's political magnetism to energize the Republican base as the party seeks to defend its congressional majorities in November 2026.