House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday that former President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to hold a Republican Party convention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections is gaining traction among GOP leadership and is increasingly likely to be approved. Johnson’s comments came during his weekly press briefing, where he recounted a phone call with Trump in which the idea was first raised.
According to Johnson, Trump called him roughly a week earlier to discuss what he described as a “new idea” for energizing the party’s base. During the conversation, Trump suggested hosting a national gathering months before the midterm elections — a type of event not typically held outside of presidential election cycles. Johnson said he reacted positively to the concept and believes it could become a major rallying moment for the party.
A New Type of Party Gathering
During his remarks, Johnson recalled Trump expressing enthusiasm for creating a large-scale event that would unify and motivate Republican voters in the lead-up to the 2026 races. “He said it would be a huge rallying point and an opportunity to build momentum heading into the fall,” Johnson told reporters. The speaker described Trump’s idea as “genius,” adding that the former president believes the convention would help highlight what Republican officials see as legislative accomplishments and policy goals.
While formal details have not yet been released, Johnson suggested that GOP leaders — including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and newly appointed Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters — are expected to take part in discussions about the logistics of the proposed event. Johnson said that based on conversations so far, he believes that key party figures are largely “on board.”
He added that news of the potential convention circulated publicly not long after his initial call with Trump, and that internal interest within the party has grown quickly since then. “It looks close to a done deal,” Johnson said. “I think it’s moving in that direction.”
Historical Context of Midterm Conventions
Holding a national convention ahead of midterm elections would represent a notable departure from traditional campaign strategy. In modern politics, major conventions typically occur during presidential election years and serve to nominate candidates, present platforms, and consolidate party unity. Midterm election cycles generally rely on smaller-scale party meetings, regional strategy sessions, or fundraising events rather than a full national convention.
Trump’s proposal reflects his preference for large gatherings and high-energy public events, which became a hallmark of his political style beginning with his 2016 campaign. Supporters of the idea believe such a convention could help bolster turnout in races where voter participation often drops compared to presidential election years. Republican strategists have pointed to the potential benefits of rallying the party’s supporters at a time when enthusiasm can be uneven across different regions and congressional districts.
Democratic Party Reaction
Reports that the GOP is moving toward a midterm convention have prompted early discussions among Democratic strategists about whether the Democratic Party should consider organizing a similar event. Some Democrats argue that responding with their own large-scale gathering could help refine messaging, unify various wings of the party, and prepare for what both parties expect to be a competitive 2026 election cycle.
However, Speaker Johnson dismissed talk of a Democratic midterm convention during his press briefing. He referenced a recent meeting held by Democratic operatives and said he did not expect Democrats to gain significant advantage by replicating the GOP’s event. “If they want to showcase the same ideas they’ve been talking about at their recent workshop, that’s up to them,” Johnson said. “We’re focused on our own planning.”
Republican Motivation Ahead of 2026
The GOP is preparing for a midterm cycle where historical trends may not work in its favor. Political analysts often note that the party controlling the White House typically faces losses during midterm elections. Because Republicans currently hold both Congress and the presidency, the party could face challenges similar to those experienced by past administrations.
Still, Republican leaders point to their recent electoral success — including Trump’s 2024 victory — as evidence that the party maintains a strong voter base. A midterm convention, supporters argue, could help reinforce the party’s messaging, highlight its legislative record, and sustain enthusiasm among a broad coalition of Republican voters.
Johnson said he believes there is “much to celebrate,” referring to what he described as progress on a number of priorities since Republicans reclaimed control of the executive branch. He emphasized that the party’s focus is on strengthening support in competitive states and districts while defending seats that may face increased attention from Democratic challengers.
Planning and Next Steps
While the proposed midterm convention does not yet have a confirmed date or location, Johnson indicated that selecting a venue will be a key step once the party formally approves the idea. He noted that event planning could move quickly once the decision is finalized, with the party expected to begin organizing speakers, program schedules, and logistical details.
The potential convention is expected to draw national attention if it moves forward, partly due to its unusual timing and partly due to Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party. Public interest will likely grow as more details emerge regarding the scope, theme, and structure of the event.
Political observers note that the proposal also comes at a time when both parties are preparing for challenging battles in congressional races. While Republicans are aiming to maintain majorities in both the House and Senate, Democrats are working to regain control of at least one chamber, making the 2026 elections a pivotal moment for both sides.
Looking Ahead
For now, GOP leaders appear to be evaluating the practical considerations of holding a national midterm convention while assessing potential benefits in energizing their base. Trump’s supporters see the idea as a natural extension of the former president’s approach to political organizing, while others within the party view it as an opportunity to reintroduce key messages to voters who may be less engaged during midterm cycles.
If the convention proceeds as Johnson believes it will, it may become a defining event of the 2026 political season — setting the tone for the months leading into the elections and providing Republicans with a platform to showcase their agenda to a national audience.