What does $20,000 buy at Trump's Dallas convention?

WASHINGTON - The Republican Party of Texas is offering donors premium access to September's convention in Dallas, including an "Honorary Delegate" credential and other perks, for contributions of up to $20,000.

The convention, headlined by President Donald Trump, is expected to draw wealthy donors, elected officials, lobbyists and activists from across the country. That makes it a prime opportunity for fundraising alongside the GOP's political messaging.

The practice has drawn criticism from watchdog groups, who say it rewards big givers with privileged access to elected leaders. National convention organizers have long argued that donors back the events out of civic pride and to help the parties, not to buy influence.

A fundraising flyer circulating online from the Texas Republican Party appeals to supporters to help build "the foundation for the next 250 years of American greatness" by purchasing one of three packages for the convention.

A $5,000 donation includes an "Honorary Guest" credential, while the $15,000 package adds hotel accommodations and preferred seating.

At the highest tier, a $20,000 contribution includes what the party calls an "Honorary Delegate Credential ON THE FLOOR," along with hotel accommodations, a Texas flag-inspired shirt, cowboy hat and other benefits.

Unlike a traditional presidential nominating convention, the gathering Sept. 9-10 at the American Airlines Center will not choose a presidential ticket or conduct party business.

Instead, Republican leaders say it will serve as a showcase for Trump, the party's candidates and the GOP's message, seeking to fire up its base heading into the November midterm elections.

Questions remain about how "delegates" will be chosen and what, if any, responsibilities they will have.

Trump announced the unusual midterm GOP convention a week ago, saying it would celebrate the party's accomplishments and rally supporters.

Democrats have dismissed the gathering and said voters are focused more on affordability concerns, such as the high price of groceries and housing.

"The Republican Party is operating their midterm convention the same way they operate the state and federal government - pay to play," Texas Democratic Party chairman Kendall Scudder said of the donor solicitation.

"If you have money, you go to the front of the line while everyone else is left out, shut out, and ignored," he said.

End Citizens United, which advocates getting big money out of politics, said such packages demonstrate how deep-pocketed donors are corroding American democracy.

The group's president, Tiffany Muller, said tying convention access to large contributions reinforces the perception that "the wealthy and well-connected play by a different set of rules" and demonstrates the need for stronger campaign finance reforms.

Defending the cost

The Travis County Republican Party shared a snapshot of the fundraising flyer on X, alerting users that making a donation can secure status as an honorary delegate and urging those interested to contact the state party "as soon as you can."

The Travis County GOP later sought to justify the cost.

"While this may sound a little pricey, consider that attending (a) National Convention is normally going to run about that for the week," its post said.

The flyer reviewed by The Dallas Morning News says orders for tickets must be received by July 14 "to ensure delivery" and notes the Republican National Committee has given the state party a "very short timeframe" to submit attendee information and a limited allocation of credentials.

The RNC referred questions about the fundraising flyer to the Texas GOP.

State party Chair D'rinda Randall said the gathering in September is "strictly a fundraiser" and not a convention in any true sense because party business is not being discussed.

"We need funds in order to be ready for the midterms," Randall said. "It's just as simple as that. There's nothing nefarious in it."

She said plans remain fluid because of the unprecedented nature of the event. That includes the contribution amounts listed in the flyer, she said, adding that the party could establish additional ways for Texans to attend.

"We have to be flexible because it has never been done before," Randall said.

Other state parties are separately recruiting delegates to attend the gathering. That underscores the event's dual role as a political rally and a networking opportunity for Republicans from across the country.

Florida, for example, has opened applications for delegates, who will pay for their own travel and lodging, as well as an unspecified "delegate fee."

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 4:05 AM.