Republicans open midterm convention in Dallas with Trump center stage

Republicans convened a two-day midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, centering the event on Donald Trump as the party campaigns amid inflation and the unpopular war on Iran.

• Trump said the war on Iran will take "a little bit longer than the midterm" and accused Tehran of holding out to influence the November vote.
• Republican lawmakers facing close races, including Tom Barrett and Zach Nunn, said they will skip the event to avoid public association with Trump.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker accused Republicans of "bootlicking" and alleged Trump's mail-in voting restrictions would end fair elections.
• Joe Gruters said the program would show Republicans "lowering costs, securing our border" and putting American families first.