Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received a strong reception Thursday evening when he took the stage at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, where he discussed his transition from a lifelong Democrat to serving in President Donald Trump’s administration.

“I am 72. For 70 years of my life, I would’ve bet any amount of money that I would not be addressing a Republican convention!” Kennedy said as he opened his remarks. He began describing his upbringing in the Democratic Party before turning to the political changes that ultimately brought him into Trump’s administration.

Kennedy, the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, ran for president as an independent in 2024 before suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump. Trump later nominated him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Senate confirmed him earlier this year.

His appearance came during the second night of the Republican Party’s first ever midterm convention, held Sept. 9-10 at the American Airlines Center. The event has featured Republican officials, congressional candidates and members of the Trump administration ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

As HHS secretary, Kennedy has promoted the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, with an emphasis on nutrition, chronic disease and changes to federal health policy. The convention’s Thursday programming specifically included a segment focused on “Chronic Disease & Corporate Capture” and the MAHA agenda.

Kennedy’s remarks highlighted the political realignment that has taken him from the Democratic Party to a prominent position within the Trump administration. His speech was part of a lineup that also included Vice President JD Vance and President Trump, who is scheduled to deliver the convention’s closing remarks.