RNC Moves to Greenlight Historic Midterm Convention to Energize GOP Base

The Republican National Committee has formally cleared the way for a political first: a full-scale national convention during a midterm election year. On Friday, the RNC approved a change to its internal rules that would allow Chairman Joe Gruters to convene a national gathering outside the traditional presidential election cycle.

Historically, national party conventions are reserved for presidential years, when delegates nominate candidates for president and vice president. But Republicans, now tasked with defending control of the U.S. Senate and a narrow majority in the House, are looking to rewrite that playbook as they head into this year’s midterm elections.

President Donald Trump, the current President of the United States, first floated the idea in September, signaling that Republicans would hold a convention-style event ahead of the midterms to spotlight accomplishments achieved since the GOP reclaimed the White House.

The rule change was first reported by Fox News Digital and was adopted Thursday evening by the RNC’s Rules Committee during the party’s winter meeting in Santa Barbara, California. The full RNC membership then approved the measure unanimously during Friday’s general session—an indication of broad support within party leadership.

According to a memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the proposal envisions an “America First” midterm convention-style gathering aligned squarely with President Trump’s political vision.

Speaking with reporters on Friday, Gruters characterized the potential event as a “Trump-a-palooza,” emphasizing its role in showcasing the administration’s achievements and motivating Republican voters ahead of the midterms.

Gruters said the convention would provide an opportunity to highlight policy victories and unify grassroots supporters at a critical point in the election cycle.

At the same time, national polling continues to show President Trump facing headwinds, with surveys indicating low approval ratings tied largely to public concerns over the economy and affordability. Democrats have seized on those numbers as an attack line.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin criticized the proposal in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Trump has historically low approval ratings because he has put America last, sold out working families to hand out favors to billionaires, and made life unaffordable,” Martin said.

Traditionally, the party holding the White House encounters resistance during midterm elections. Republican leaders believe a high-profile convention could help counter those dynamics by reinforcing the president’s record and elevating GOP candidates nationwide.

In a separate statement to Fox News Digital, Gruters said the RNC’s winter meeting reflected strong unity behind President Trump and a disciplined strategy heading into the midterms.

Gruters said the party is prioritizing fundraising growth, voter turnout expansion, and ballot integrity as core pillars of its election efforts.

“We’re building the operation needed to protect our majorities and give President Trump a full four-year term with a Republican Congress,” Gruters said.

Specific details about the timing and location of the proposed convention have not yet been finalized. Gruters indicated that further announcements would come later and would likely be made by the president himself.

A Republican source told Fox News Digital that the event could coincide with the RNC’s summer meeting, which is typically held in August.

Democrats, meanwhile, may consider adopting a similar strategy. Sources told Fox News Digital last summer that Martin and other Democratic leaders were quietly exploring the possibility of holding their own midterm convention.

Support for the idea has also come from Capitol Hill. In October, House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly endorsed President Trump’s proposal for a presidential-style convention ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Johnson said the president personally called him to discuss the idea, pitching a large-scale gathering designed to boost enthusiasm and help Republicans maintain control of both chambers of Congress.

Johnson pointed to the GOP’s 2024 performance as a sign of momentum, saying Republicans won “every aspect” of the election and are well-positioned for the upcoming midterms.

“I was in Detroit yesterday morning. He called me 15 minutes before that truth, and he said, ‘Mike, I’ve got a great idea.’ Let’s have it. I’m so excited about this. I said, ‘Mr. President, let’s go.’ Because I think that would be such a great rallying point right before the midterm election for us to tout all the great successes we’ve had to enjoy that,” Johnson said.