House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that President Donald Trump’s proposal for a Republican midterm convention is likely to move forward. Speaking Wednesday, the Louisiana Republican described Trump’s idea as “genius” and said the president believes such a convention would serve as a rallying point for the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Trump reportedly contacted Johnson with the proposal, emphasizing that a midterm convention “has never been done before like that” and could build momentum for the party. Johnson added that Trump plans to consult Senate Majority Leader John Thune and RNC Chairman Joe Gruters to finalize the plans.
While Democrats have considered holding their own pre-midterm convention, Johnson dismissed the idea, calling it “hilarious” and signaling confidence in Republican strategy. He said the GOP is prepared to celebrate its achievements and energize voters ahead of next year’s elections.
Trump’s push for a midterm convention comes amid a surge in Republican voter registration. A New York Times analysis of L2 data shows Republicans gained 2.4 million new registrants since 2020, while Democrats lost 2.1 million, highlighting a shift in party demographics. Johnson emphasized that the GOP is in a strong position, citing victories in the 2024 presidential election and optimism about defending its congressional majority. Trump echoed the sentiment on Truth Social, praising the party’s fundraising and growth, and signaling that the midterm convention could be a historic first.
