Milwaukee reported a $321.5 million economic impact from the GOP's 2024 convention. Photograph by Aaron for Adobe Stock
President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social account that the Republican Party will hold its first-ever convention in advance of midterm elections. The GOP holds slim majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives; the goal of the event, which will be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, will be to shore up candidates in an effort to hold onto control of Congress.
In his post, the President wrote: "It has never been done before, and will be a truly Historic Event.... Dallas will take center stage on September 9th and 10th as we celebrate our Nation, our achievements, and our bright future."
Unusual decision
While both parties regularly host conventions in advance of a presidential election, only the Democrats have hosted midterm events, in 1974, 1978 and 1982. The party decided in January not to hold one this year, citing the costs involved.
The American Airlines Center possibly has been chosen for the GOP gathering because the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is in the middle of an expansion and rebuild project, and only has about 200,000 square feet of usable meeting space available.
Host cities benefit
Depending on how well the event is attended, Dallas could be in for an unexpected windfall.
Chicago, which hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2024, reports that the event generated a total economic impact of $371.4 million for the local economy. Choose Chicago, the city's convention and visitors bureau, reported that the convention supported 3,211 jobs and brought in $28.7 million in state and local tax revenues.
The Republicans held their 2024 convention in Milwaukee, showing a total economic impact for the week of $321.5 million. According to Visit Milwaukee, operational spending and off-site spending for the convention supported 3,441 part-time and full-time jobs, and Tourism Economics calculated that the convention generated $16.8 million in state and local taxes.
At press time, Visit Dallas had not responded to queries to confirm or provide further details about the event.