Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down as White House press secretary at the end of August 2026, made a high-profile return to the political stage on 10 September at the first-ever Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, appearing this time as a spokeswoman for Donald Trump's re-election campaign. In her speech she delivered a sharp attack on Democrats, warning that electing "extreme liberal socialist" candidates would raise rents and taxes, erode private property rights and damage the American economy, framing the message around the party's economic record ahead of the midterms.

Leavitt left the White House shortly after returning from maternity leave following the birth of her daughter Viviana, and has since rejoined Trump's Super PAC, MAGA Inc. The convention itself was marked by tension, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune denied a speaking slot and booed during Trump's earlier address, while several vulnerable Republican candidates, including Susan Collins, Ashley Hinson and John Sununu, avoided the main stage. Trump's arrival in Dallas was also delayed after his Air Force One deployed an emergency evacuation slide, though he insisted the aircraft was safe to fly. Analysts expect a tough midterm battle, with Democrats favoured to retake the House while Senate control hinges on close races in states including Maine, Ohio, Michigan and Alaska.