Fewer than half of vulnerable congressional candidates have speaking roles at GOP convention

A sign is posted in front of the American Airlines Center ahead of the 2026 Republican National Committee (RNC) Midterm Convention on Sept. 8, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

The kicked off Wednesday, with fewer than half of the candidates in the most competitive congressional races due to speak at the event that's intended to give the party's candidates a boost ahead of the November election.

A CNBC analysis of the 45 most competitive House and Senate races this year found 19 of the candidates are slated for speaking spots at the two-day convention in Dallas.

Among those who are due to precede President 's keynotes both nights are GOP Senate candidates from North Carolina and from Texas, Sen. from Ohio and Rep. Mike Collins from Georgia are scheduled to speak Wednesday. All four candidates are either locked in tight races or trailing their Democratic opponents in the polls.

On Thursday, the lineup includes incumbent Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, of Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler, of New York, and Derek Merrin and Eric Flores, challengers to Democratic incumbents in Ohio and Texas, respectively. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter ranks each of those races "toss up. " Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate for Senate in Michigan — one of those most competitive Senate contests in the country — is also on the agenda.

A large number of vulnerable Republicans are also opting to skip the convention altogether, according to

A parade of Trump officials will also appear at the event, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary , Attorney General , Agriculture Secretary and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Blanche's appearance at a political event is likely to raise eyebrows, especially after the president's former personal attorney's fierce confirmation battle centered on his political activities.