President Donald Trump has announced a bold and unprecedented plan to hold a Republican National Convention (RNC) in the months leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, a move aimed at energizing the GOP base and maintaining control of Congress.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “The Republican Party is doing really well… In that light, I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!!!”
The proposal, which breaks the traditional four-year cycle of national conventions held for presidential nominations, comes as Republicans seek to capitalize on their fundraising success—reportedly raising $176.9 million through Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., in the first half of 2025—and rally voters around key issues like crime.
Trump emphasized his controversial “federalization” of Washington, D.C.’s police force as a model, claiming it demonstrates the GOP as the “party that wants to stop crime.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed enthusiastic support, posting on X, “YES, Mr. President! Let’s go!!!!” alongside American flag emojis. RNC spokesperson Kiersten Pels called it a “bold, innovative idea” to showcase GOP candidates and maintain momentum.
The announcement follows reports that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is considering a similar “mini-convention” to boost its candidates and 2028 presidential hopefuls, prompting speculation that Trump’s move may be a strategic counter.
Historically, midterm conventions are rare, with Democrats holding one in 1978 and 1982. The 2026 midterms are critical, as the party controlling the White House typically loses an average of 25 House seats, with Republicans losing 41 in 2018 under Trump.
No specific date or location for the proposed RNC was provided, and the decision lies with the RNC, now led by Trump ally Joe Gruters. With both parties gearing up for intense redistricting battles—Texas cutting five Democratic seats and California and New York planning counter-moves—the 2026 electoral landscape remains highly competitive.
Stay tuned for updates as this historic political maneuver unfolds.