President Trump suggested on Thursday that the Republican Party should host an unusual national convention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before,” Mr. Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social. “STAY TUNED!!!”
Normally, both the Democratic and Republican parties hold their conventions every four years to formally nominate their presidential candidates. But Mr. Trump’s political operation is hoping to find ways to motivate the voters who have previously come out to cast ballots only when his name is on the ballot next year, when control of both the House and Senate will be determined for the second half of his second term.
A day earlier, Axios reported that Ken Martin, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, had been discussing a possible Democratic convention in 2026. The idea was the subject of some conversation on the sidelines of the D.N.C. meeting this week in Minneapolis, though it was not universally embraced, partly because it would most likely be costly for a party that is already stretched for cash.
The potential for a Democratic midterms convention was also covered on Wednesday evening by Sean Hannity on his show on Fox News, which is one of Mr. Trump’s favorite programs.
“Several options are on the table for next year, including hosting a large-scale gathering before the midterms,” said Abhi Rahman, a spokesman for the D.N.C., calling it a chance to “showcase our tremendous candidates running up and down the ballot.”
Democrats have scored a number of victories in low-turnout special elections this year. But they are working to impress upon their voters the importance of the midterms next year to give the party a check on Mr. Trump, who has moved aggressively to enact his agenda in Washington.
If the dueling conventions happen — which remains very much an if for both parties — the events would serve not just as a venue to campaign for the midterms but also a major platform for ambitious politicians hoping to lead both parties in 2028.
The Republican National Committee would presumably be responsible for organizing a convention like the one Mr. Trump teased. The party just installed Mr. Trump’s pick, Joe Gruters, as the new chairman, this month.
“President Trump is leading with bold, innovative ideas to energize our party and keep us on the path to victory,” said Kiersten Pels, a spokeswoman for the R.N.C., when asked about Mr. Trump’s post.
The top Republican in the House jumped at Mr. Trump’s suggestion of a convention.
“YES, Mr. President!” Speaker Mike Johnson, the Louisiana Republican, wrote on X. “Let’s go!!!!”
Mr. Johnson added three American flag emojis for emphasis.
Shane Goldmacher is a Times national political correspondent.
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