Good morning from Dallas!
The two-day GOP midterm convention kicks off today. There will be scores of political candidates, White House cabinet officials, and-knowing President Trump-a surprise or two as Republicans try to create momentum heading into November.
The Wall Street Journal has a team of journalists here for the festivities at the American Airlines Center, and we will bring you live coverage on Wednesday and Thursday evening. You can track all the events alongside us.
Here are some of the biggest story lines to watch:
Blanche, Bessent and RFK Jr.: At least three White House cabinet secretaries will speak at the convention. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will all get prime-time speaking slots. RFK Jr. has his own star power and helped Trump win the 2024 presidential election. Blanche's remarks could be closely watched, as speeches at political events by the attorney general are quite uncommon. Bessent and Blanche will speak Wednesday. RFK Jr. will speak Thursday.
Trump: Eleven years after he first rode down the golden escalator, Trump is still the center of gravity in the Republican Party. Even with poor poll numbers, he is the most powerful figure in the party. Trump will give the keynote address Wednesday and then the closing remarks Thursday as the convention works to put him on full display. Vice President JD Vance will speak Thursday before Trump.
Democratic divisions: The GOP is expected to play up the leftward lunge that a number of Democratic candidates have made during the primary season. They will attempt to paint the Democrats as dangerous and out of step with mainstream America. Winning this argument could be key to the GOP success in November. Democrats will be stirring the pot, though. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential candidate for the Democrats, will be speaking in Dallas on Wednesday not far from the big convention.
Paxton vs. Talarico: One of the biggest Senate battles this cycle pits Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, against state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat. No matter what the polls say, this one will likely be close. With help from Trump, Paxton ousted Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the primary, but Paxton so far has had a rough couple of weeks. This race could decide who controls the Senate in 2027. Paxton is speaking Wednesday in a mediocre slot more than two hours before Trump takes the stage.
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People and Policies I'm Watching
U.S.-Iran war: The situation remains volatile after the U.S. destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to fresh attempts by Tehran to strike U.S. warships in the Middle East in recent days.
Rhode Island primary: The country's smallest state holds primary elections, including a closely watched battle for the Democratic mayoral nomination in Providence.
Trump's Wednesday: The president is scheduled to receive an intelligence briefing in the morning. After that, Trump will fly to Dallas, where he will take part in a MAGA Inc. meeting and attend the Republican midterm convention, where he will speak.
What I'm Following
Trump escalates the U.S.-Canada trade dispute. The president signed orders to ban the importation of many dairy products, alcoholic beverages and motorcycles from Canada in three weeks-a retaliation for Canadian tariffs that took effect earlier on Tuesday. Trump also modified the scope of some existing 50% tariffs on Canada, removing levies on cement, road salt and some hospital products, while imposing 50% levies on other products including some all-terrain vehicles, boats and cheeses.
A data-center backlash has states taking another look at tax breaks. Legislators or governors in more than 10 states have slammed the brakes on the tax breaks for data centers. The reversals underscore how state leaders who once welcomed the facilities powering the AI boom as an economic engine suddenly treat them like a political liability.
The Supreme Court won't let Missouri use GOP-favorable congressional map. The Supreme Court declined to allow Missouri to use a congressional map in the November midterm elections that the state GOP redrew to benefit Republicans, rejecting a last-ditch appeal from the state. The court refused Tuesday to disturb a ruling from the state's highest court that said the new map, which voters used in the primary, was invalid.
What Else Is Happening
Trump gave cash gifts of $45,000 apiece to Natalie Harp and two other aides last Christmas, according to financial disclosure forms.
Companies doing business with the U.S. government are largely failing to meet federal targets for hiring post-9/11 military veterans.
Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican Sen. John E. Sununu prevailed in the New Hampshire Senate primary, setting up a competitive campaign.
What I'm Reading
Marco Rubio Won't Run in 2028 Because He Thinks the Election Is Unwinnable (Washington Examiner)
Spencer Cox: Inside the Search for Charlie Kirk's Killer (The Free Press)
Abbott vs Newsom: A Red-Blue Grudge Match (Dallas Morning News)
About Me
I'm Damian Paletta, The Wall Street Journal's Washington coverage chief. I've covered Washington for 22 years as a reporter and editor. I've covered the White House, Congress, national security, the federal budget, economics and multiple market meltdowns. WSJ Politics brings you an expert guide to what's driving D.C., every weekday morning. Send your feedback to politics@wsj.com (if you're reading this in your inbox, you can just hit reply). This edition was curated and edited in collaboration with Joe Erwin and Alina Heineke. Got a tip for us? Here's how to submit.