House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that former President Donald Trump’s plan to hold a Republican Party convention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections is moving forward. Johnson called the proposal “genius” after speaking directly with Trump, who suggested the unprecedented idea as a way to energize the GOP base and highlight its accomplishments. “It’s never been done before,” Johnson said, emphasizing that such an event could serve as a historic rallying point for the party. Trump is reportedly working with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters to finalize the details, with Johnson adding that party leadership is united behind the initiative.
Traditionally, national conventions are reserved for presidential election years, but Trump’s proposed midterm event aims to break that mold. The convention would spotlight the Republican Party’s legislative and political successes since Trump’s 2024 election victory while also setting the tone for the next campaign cycle. Johnson described the concept as both strategic and celebratory, suggesting it would “build momentum” ahead of the midterms and offer Republicans a chance to showcase a unified vision for the country.
Republicans see the proposed convention as an opportunity to contrast their message with that of Democrats. Johnson framed the move as a direct challenge to what he described as the Democratic record of “chaos, inflation, and border failures.” By hosting a large-scale event before the elections, GOP leaders hope to energize supporters, strengthen voter enthusiasm, and counter the typical midterm losses experienced by ruling parties.
For Trump, the midterm convention represents another blend of political showmanship and strategic calculation. Johnson emphasized that the event would demonstrate the GOP’s readiness to lead, unify, and continue implementing its agenda. “We’ve got the ideas, we’ve got the energy, and now we’ll have the convention,” he said, underscoring Trump’s continued influence and the party’s confidence heading into 2026.
