Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention

President Trump watches as balloons fall at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. Alex Brandon/AP

Alex Brandon/AP

DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria.

Puccini’s opera “Nessun dorma” ends with a triumphant proclamation: “vincerò,” or “I will win!”

But the Republican Party’s chances in November are less optimistic,