Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Republicans plan to hold their first-ever national convention during the midterm elections, an event he described as a showcase for the party’s accomplishments since his reelection.
Both major political parties hold conventions every four years during presidential campaigns. Midterms, which determine control of the House and Senate, have not included such gatherings. All 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate will be on the ballot in 2026.
“The Republicans are going to do a Midterm Convention in order to show the great things we have done since the Presidential Election of 2024,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Time and place to be determined. Stay tuned, it will be quite the Event, and very exciting!”
Republicans currently hold slim majorities, controlling the House 219-213 and the Senate 53-45, with two independents who caucus with Democrats. Party leaders hope to expand those margins.
Trump previously mentioned the idea of holding a midterm convention in August.
“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 Truth Social. “The results are incredible, a record pace!!! 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 2024 Republican convention took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump did not announce a date or location for the midterm event.
Republicans see opportunities to build their majority in states with newly drawn congressional maps, including Texas and Missouri, while Democrats are pushing for redistricting changes in California aimed at flipping five GOP-held districts.
Axios reported that Democrats may also stage their own midterm convention next year, though no formal decision has been announced.
“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 midterm convention,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Abhi Rahman said in a statement.
