Republicans turned Dallas into the center of the political world Wednesday as the Republican National Committee kicked off its first-ever midterm convention, a two-day gathering built heavily around President Donald Trump and the GOP’s fight to maintain control of Congress.

The event at American Airlines Center has been dubbed “Trump-a-palooza,” and there was little doubt who the main attraction was.

Images of Trump covered portions of the arena, including photographs from Oval Office meetings and the familiar image of him raising his fist after the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. MAGA hats and other Republican merchandise were available to attendees, while supporters traveled from around Texas and across the country for the event.

For Amy Osterman of Illinois, attending her first party convention, the biggest attraction could be summed up with one word.

“Trump,” Osterman said when asked what she was most looking forward to. “I’m just excited to get reenergized for the midterms. Like, let’s go. We need to do this.”

That enthusiasm helps explain the Republican strategy heading into November. Trump isn't on the ballot, but the president made clear Wednesday night that he wants GOP voters to approach the election as though he is. Republicans are trying to overcome the historical difficulties that a president’s party often faces in midterm elections while holding onto narrow congressional majorities.

“In actuality, I really am running. We don’t really know it but we are. I mean, we’re running together,” Trump told the crowd. “We have to have Congress. We have to have the majorities. If we don’t have the majorities, so much can be lost.”

Trump went a step further by telling Republicans to “pretend that I’m on the ballot.”

He also unveiled one of the night’s biggest proposals: a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Trump called the payments “Trump dividends” and said the money would have to be spent in the United States.

Trump did not provide details Wednesday about how the proposal would be funded or implemented. The Associated Press reported that such a program could cost more than $1 trillion and that its legal and financial mechanics remain unclear.

The proposal came as Republicans sought to frame the November election as a referendum on whether Trump will be able to continue advancing his agenda during the final two years of the current Congress.

“If we hand America’s future to the radical-left Democrats … our nation will spend the next decade just getting back on its feet,” Trump said, adding that this “would be a tragedy.”

Other Republicans followed a similar theme throughout Wednesday.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins argued that the country’s founding ideals are threatened by Democratic policies and claimed Democrats would reverse the administration’s border policies if they regained power.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota focused on the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and recent primary victories by candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America.

“To the American people listening, I say, if all you want out of life is what little these communists are offering, I guess that’s your right. Or you can join Donald J. Trump and Republicans, and have the opportunity to realize your greatest dreams,” Emmer said.

One of the more unusual moments of the night came from someone who isn't a Republican.

Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a prerecorded video introducing Republican Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania.

“I’m always going to reject the extremes in socialism and that anti-American way of life,” Fetterman said.

Fetterman’s appearance drew attention because of his increasing willingness to break with fellow Democrats on several issues. The Associated Press reported Thursday that Fetterman continues to identify himself as a Democrat despite speculation about his political future.

The convention arrives at an important moment for Republicans.

The party is trying to energize Trump supporters for an election in which Trump himself won't appear on the ballot. At the same time, some Republican candidates in competitive races have kept their distance from the Dallas gathering as they navigate concerns among voters about the economy, the war in Iran and other issues.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Dan Sullivan of Alaska were among the Republicans expected to skip the convention. Reuters also reported that several vulnerable Republicans stayed away from the event as Trump's approval ratings remain a concern heading toward November.

Attendance inside American Airlines Center also attracted attention Wednesday.

Trump described the arena as “packed,” although significant sections of seats remained empty at points during the evening. The Associated Press reported that attendance increased as the night progressed but that the arena was not full. The event is also serving partly as a fundraiser, with some Republicans facing substantial costs to attend.

For many of those who did make the trip, however, Trump was clearly the reason to be there.

Steve Novak traveled from Minnesota after previously attending the 2024 Republican convention in Milwaukee. Texas attendee Rosie Swanson, attending her first Republican convention, said she “would’ve come from anywhere” for the chance to see Trump.

Democrats, meanwhile, are using the unusual Republican gathering to create their own political spotlight in Texas.

Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico participated in events surrounding a statewide “Love Thy Neighbor” food drive while criticizing Republicans gathered in Dallas. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, considered a possible Democratic presidential contender in 2028, also traveled to Texas and criticized Vice President JD Vance and the convention.

Additional demonstrations involving progressive organizations, labor groups and Texas Democrats are planned in Dallas on Thursday.

Republicans will return to American Airlines Center for the convention’s second and final day, with Vance among the featured speakers and Trump scheduled to address the gathering again.

The RNC describes the event as an opportunity to highlight the Trump administration’s record, promote Republican candidates and unite the party ahead of November. Unlike traditional national conventions held during presidential election years, there is no presidential nomination to conduct in Dallas. Instead, the focus is almost entirely on the midterms — and on turning Trump’s political following into votes for Republican candidates across the country.