Trump mulls GOP convention before midterms

President Trump floated the idea on Thursday of having the Republican Party hold a convention just ahead of the 2026 midterms as Democrats are reportedly mulling 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 previous 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!!!” 

Democrats are separately mulling the idea of having a smaller convention ahead of 2026, according to Axios, as way to tout rising stars and midterm candidates. The news outlet noted that the Democratic Party used to hold conventions during or right after midterm cycles decades ago but later stopped in the mid-1980s. 

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 where 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 looks to add five seats for Republicans next year, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to sign 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 expected gains made in Texas.