Karoline Leavitt, who previously served as press secretary for former President Donald Trump, addressed the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday. Leavitt, who left the White House in August to focus on her family, was initially in the dark as she began her speech, with the stage lights off. After a few seconds, the lights came on, revealing her smiling and ready to speak. Leavitt said it felt good to be back behind a podium, adding that speaking to a stadium full of "patriots" felt better than addressing journalists in a briefing room. She praised the Trump administration’s accomplishments, including securing the southern border and passing a tax bill, and called her time working for Trump an "honor of a lifetime." Leavitt encouraged attendees to support Republican candidates across the ballot to help continue Trump’s vision of "making America great again." Trump and his team have not yet announced who will replace Leavitt as press secretary, though names like Scott Jennings and Anna Kelly have been mentioned as potential candidates. The Republican convention, which has included appearances by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, aims to energize GOP voters and improve the party's chances in upcoming elections. The party hopes to maintain control of both the House and Senate. Despite the event's high-profile speakers, many GOP candidates and lawmakers decided not to attend the two-day convention. Some cited prior commitments, while others expressed concerns about the high cost of tickets. Trump delivered a keynote speech on the first night of the convention, where he made a controversial pledge to give a $5,000 "Trump Dividend" to every American adult if voters help the Republican Party retain power. Trump is set to speak again later on Thursday to wrap up the convention.