At a farmers market in Dallas, Texas, 58 year old Cody Johnson said he remains confident that United States President Donald Trump can motivate and energise Republican voters.

That view is central to the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention, a new event created to rally support ahead of November’s legislative elections. The gathering has been closely associated with Trump and his political influence.

Although Trump’s popularity has fallen in recent months and his name will not appear on the ballot, he continues to play a major role in the midterm campaign.

“People will come from miles around to see Trump,” said Johnson, a Republican voter who owns a rock quarry.

Johnson believes the convention, which Trump announced quickly in June, could help Republicans counter a growing Democratic push in Texas. Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has emerged as a leading figure in that effort, which could challenge the Republican Party’s long standing control of statewide offices.

“Texas is leaning purple,” Johnson said, adding that the convention could make a significant difference because Trump has the ability to energise voters.