Aiming to influence Congress, the former president pledges to campaign in roughly three dozen pivotal contests, focusing on about 35 key races including Senate battles in Alaska and Texas.

At a White House Rose Garden dinner with Republican lawmakers, he promoted a winning midterm message centered on his record and urged all Republicans to run on it.

He endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas primary, joking about Paxton’s appearance and TV presence despite past controversies.

A Politico survey shows most GOP candidates and lawmakers are undecided or opting out of the convention, signaling limited enthusiasm for the event.

The survey indicates mixed plans for convention attendance, with several lawmakers prioritizing district-focused campaigning over participating in the event.

Observers say voter concerns about the economy and the Iran conflict complicate the landscape as the midterms near.

Democratic and Republican debates over elections integrity reveal GOP governors resisting federalization of voting and pushing state control.

Republicans worry about midterm prospects as base enthusiasm trails Democrats; strategists rely on Trump’s popularity and fundraising to energize supporters.

International framing surfaces as Venezuelans view a deal granting the U.S. control over about one-fifth of their oil reserves with mixed reactions—surrender to relief in economic terms for some.

The Rose Garden dinner occurred about a week before a Dallas midterm convention, set against anxious party mood over economic headwinds and Iran tensions.

The White House event, described as an “end of summer BBQ,” drew lawmakers and was part of prep for the Dallas convention.

The gathering took place in the Rose Garden, with Republicans listening as they prepared for the upcoming convention in Dallas.