Schedule released: No Iowans listed to speak at inaugural RNC mid-term convention this week

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — No Iowa Republicans are listed on the speaking schedule for this week’s first-ever mid-term Republican convention in Dallas, Texas.

Both the Republican and Democratic parties traditionally host a national convention every four years that coincides with a presidential election. But this year, Republicans are holding a convention before mid-term elections which do not include a presidential election but will decide which party controls Congress in 2027.

RNC mid-term convention

President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, and various members of the Trump administration are scheduled to speak at the convention which takes place Wednesday and Thursday.

The speaking schedule also includes candidates in competitive districts across the country like Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, and New York.

Iowa has numerous races that are highly-watched and expected to be competitive including a U.S. Senate race and three U.S. House races. But the Republicans running in those Iowa contests are not listed on the RNC event schedule.

Iowa Republicans running in congressional races that are expected to be competitive in the November mid-term election:

U.S. Senate — U.S. Rep Ashley Hinson (R – Marion)

U.S. House 1st District — U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R – Ottumwa)

U.S. House 2nd District — former state rep. Joe Mitchell (R – Clear Lake)

U.S. House 3rd District — U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R – Ankeny)

The mid-term convention is a chance for Republicans to rally their base with two months left before the election as they try to hold onto narrow majorities in the U.S. House and Senate.

President Trump approval ratings

Trump’s job approval ratings have been falling and disapproval ratings have been climbing in 2026 as voters weigh his efforts on taxes, spending, immigration, the war with Iran, inflation, crime, agriculture, environment, and construction projects on the White House and nearby.

39.7 vs. 57

The RealClearPolitics average of national polls of Trump’s approval ratings show a -17.3% overall difference. That overall unpopularity for Trump could be a factor for Iowa Republican candidates to consider as they weigh whether to attend the mid-term convention in Dallas.

Congress is on another recess this week, and members won’t have to be in Washington, D.C. Incumbents and other Republican candidates can decide whether their time is better spent appearing at the mid-term convention with President Trump or campaigning in Iowa before voters.