President Trump on Thursday floated the idea of having the Republican Party hold a convention just ahead of the 2026 midterms, as Democrats say they’re considering a similar idea.
“The Republican Party is doing really well. Millions of people have joined us in our quest to MAKE AMERICA, GREAT AGAIN. We won every aspect of the Presidential Election and, based on the great success we are having, are poised to WIN BIG IN THE MIDTERMS,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Lauding the GOP’s fundraising, and touting what he called “incredible” results of his administration’s efforts to reverse the Biden administration’s actions, Trump added: “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!!!”
A Democratic National Committee spokesperson said in a statement that it was considering holding a large gathering ahead of the 2026 midterms to tout rising stars and midterm candidates, confirming reporting by Axios on Wednesday that the party was mulling the idea.
Axios noted the Democratic Party used to hold conventions during or right after midterm cycles decades ago but stopped doing so in the mid-1980s.
“Americans everywhere are fired up and ready to fight back against Trump’s reckless policies — including his budget betrayal that cuts health care and food assistance for millions of people,” the DNC spokesperson said in a statement.
“To showcase our tremendous candidates running up and down the ballot and harness the amazing grassroots energy we’re already seeing, several options are on the table for next year, including hosting a large-scale gathering before the midterms,” the person added.
The fact that both parties are considering holding their own conventions ahead of 2026 underscores the increasing importance of next year’s midterms, which could determine whether Trump sees a check on power in the House or if he’ll enjoy a GOP-dominated Congress his last two years in office.
Trump and the White House have already elevated the stakes of the midterms with their initial push to have Texas and other GOP states conduct mid-decade redistricting to draw more favorable House maps for the party.
The Texas Legislature has already passed a map that aims to add five seats for Republicans next year. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to sign it into law soon.
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and members of his party are teeing up a House map to be presented before voters in November that looks to neutralize the GOP’s expected gains in Texas.
Updated at 12:29 p.m.
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