WATCH LIVE: Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas

(KWTX) - Republicans are gathering in Dallas on Wednesday for a highly unusual two-day midterm convention, a first for the party, that will put President Donald Trump at the center of this fall's midterm elections. [KBTX 2]

The Republican Party convened in Dallas for an unprecedented two-day gathering aimed at energizing supporters ahead of the midterm elections, with former President Donald Trump anchoring the event's messaging from start to finish.

The convention marked the first time in party history that Republicans staged such a coordinated two-day midterm rally format. Trump's participation bookended the event, with the former president scheduled to deliver opening remarks Wednesday evening and concluding speeches Thursday after Vice President JD Vance took the stage. The structure underscored Trump's central role in shaping the party's electoral strategy and messaging for contests across the country.

Texas officials featured prominently in the program, reflecting the state's significance to Republican electoral fortunes. Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate, both appeared on the schedule to address attendees. Paxton's inclusion highlighted the blending of state-level and national GOP politics at the Dallas venue.

The speaker roster spanned four hours of programming Wednesday evening, featuring an array of congressional candidates, sitting lawmakers and party leaders. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer represented the chamber's leadership. The National Republican Senatorial Committee and Republican Attorneys General Association sent representatives, while candidates running for Senate seats in multiple states took turns addressing the crowd. Border security and law enforcement support emerged as recurring themes, with border residents, law enforcement officials and the president of the National Border Patrol Council among those scheduled to speak.

The program also incorporated remarks from candidates competing in competitive House and gubernatorial races nationwide, including Rep. Byron Donalds, who is seeking the Florida governorship. Religious leaders, including the senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, offered invocations and remarks. Throughout the evening, organizers interspersed speeches from everyday Americans identified by their professions and circumstances, from factory workers to medical professionals to small business owners.