A Democratic National Committee spokesperson confirmed Thursday that the party is considering a large gathering ahead of the 2026 midterms, making official previous rumors after President Trump floated a similar idea among Republicans.
“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,” a 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.
Axios reported Wednesday that members of the party were considering holding a miniconvention ahead of the 2026 midterms to tout candidates and rising stars of the party, though noting that nothing had been finalized.
Then, Trump on Thursday morning floated Republicans hosting a convention of their own ahead of 2026, saying in a post on Truth Social to “STAY TUNED!!!”
The parties typically only hold conventions during presidential years, as each party formally nominates their nominees for the White House. Axios noted Democrats previously held conventions around midterm years but stopped in the 1980s.
The musings between the parties underscore the importance of next year’s midterms as both Democrats and Republicans wage a redistricting battle for control of the House majority, seen as Democrats’ best chance at checking Trump’s control in Congress for the final two years of his second term.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) took to social media to enthusiastically back the idea of a Republican convention, writing, “YES, Mr. President! Let’s go!!!!” with several American flag emojis.
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