By Jack Fink
Updated on: March 27, 2026 / 6:58 PM EDT / CBS Texas
Representatives from the Republican National Committee visited the American Airlines Center in Dallas late last month as they weigh hosting a first-of-its-kind midterm convention ahead of the November elections.
Dave Brown, the AAC’s general manager, told CBS News Texas that he provided the RNC with the arena’s specifications and potential production configurations. RNC officials toured the venue to familiarize themselves with the facility and to check the events calendar for late summer and early fall availability.
Brown said the arena’s full capacity for concerts is about 20,000, and that corporate conventions there have drawn as many as 16,000 attendees.
“The upcoming Midterm Convention is happening because of President Trump’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the America First movement. His ability to bring people together and inspire action continues to drive momentum across the country,” Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser to the RNC, said in a statement to CBS News Texas. She added that while media reports have speculated about location and date, no contracts have been signed and details remain speculative.
Critical Senate race on the Texas midterm ballot
The possibility of a Dallas convention comes as Texas Democrats coalesce around U.S. House member James Talarico of Austin as their Senate nominee. SMU political science professor Matthew Wilson told CBS News Texas that Republicans see the Texas Senate contest as competitive and important.
“This will be a new thing, a midterm convention. But the fact that they’re looking at having this in Dallas…emphasizes the fact that they see the Texas Senate race, at least, and perhaps other Texas races, as both competitive and important,” Wilson said. He suggested the event would aim to boost Republican enthusiasm nationally and in Texas specifically.
Republicans have not yet chosen their Senate nominee; Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging four-term Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff scheduled for May 26.
Historically, the party in the White House tends to lose congressional seats in midterms. With President Trump’s polling softer than in 2024, Wilson said Republicans will be focused on limiting losses by energizing their base and increasing turnout among lower-propensity voters who supported Trump.
There is no firm timetable for when the RNC will announce a midterm convention location.
Watch Eye On Politics at 7:30 Sunday morning on CBS News Texas on air and streaming
Follow Jack on X: @cbs11jack