President Donald Trump is set to kick off the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention with a pair of speeches spanning both nights of the Texas confab, even as GOP candidates in close races avoid the entire spectacle.

Trump is scheduled to depart the White House this afternoon for the two-day event in Dallas, where he will first participate in a fundraiser for his MAGA Inc. Super PAC before heading to the convention itself.

He will then deliver what has been billed as a keynote address at 9:15 pm ET.

Trump will return to the convention on Thursday, where he will also deliver closing remarks after a planned speech by Vice President JD Vance.

The president’s appearance at the highly unusual off-year convention contrasts with the at least 45 elected officials and candidates in close races who are snubbing the gathering and focusing on their own campaigns instead.

Republicans are hoping to generate enthusiasm among potential voters and bring in money for the GOP – in part by charging donors $88,600 for a photo with Trump.

One House Republican told Politico the midterm convention was a “waste of time” and said planning had been “a mess.”

The event is also meant to raise money for Republicans fighting tough races, such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is trying to defeat Democratic candidate James Talerico in the Senate race.

The RNC reportedly asked sitting House members to spend $25,000 for themselves and a guest to attend the two-day event or $100,000 for a higher tier.