Battleground candidates head to GOP convention. Could it backfire?

Candidates in five key Senate contests and other top battleground races will be featured at the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention, putting a spotlight on the races amid questions about whether the event helps candidates in swing seats.

The Republican National Committee released the names of nearly four dozen candidates, elected leaders and Trump administration officials speaking at the convention in Texas, and a change in speaking plans for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump now will deliver the keynote address on the first night of the convention and closing remarks on the second night, while Vance delivers the keynote address on the second night of the two-day event, which is being held Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 in Dallas.

The convention program released by the RNC on Sept. 5 includes Senate candidates in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas, all states that are central to the battle over control of the chamber. Candidates in many competitive House races also are being featured at the event.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders will appear at the convention, along with the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and administration officials such as Health Secretary Robert…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/