Vulnerable House Republicans Rally Around Trump Ahead of Midterms

Republicans facing difficult House races gathered in Dallas this week to align themselves closely with President Donald Trump as the party looks to defy the usual midterm pattern of losses for the president’s party. The first GOP midterm convention featured Trump, Cabinet officials, allies and lawmakers who are expected to be competitive in November, including Reps. Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania and Mike Lawler of New York. Both lawmakers said they were focused on border security, tax relief and what they described as Democratic policies that are too far left. The event reflected a broader Republican strategy: tying candidates in battleground districts to Trump’s record on immigration and taxes while arguing that Democrats are out of step with voters. Democrats, meanwhile, said the GOP is putting Trump’s agenda ahead of local concerns and hopes to make his association with vulnerable Republicans a liability.