House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Wednesday that former President Donald Trump’s proposal for a Republican midterm convention is likely moving forward. Trump initially suggested the idea last week as a way to energize the GOP ahead of the 2026 elections.
“The president called me while I was traveling, maybe a week ago, and said, ‘Mike, I got a great idea … how about a midterm convention?’” Johnson said during a press briefing. The speaker described the idea as “genius” and noted that Trump emphasized its novelty, saying a midterm convention of this kind “has never been done before” and could serve as a major rallying point for the party.
Johnson added that Trump envisioned the convention as a way to build momentum in the fall, “to lead up to that, to the momentum that we have so much to sell and talk about and, and, and celebrate.” The speaker also noted that Trump planned to consult Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters to finalize the plans.
“I think everybody’s on board,” Johnson said. “So, I think that’s a done deal now. I’m really excited about it. We have so much to celebrate.”
Democrats have considered holding their own midterm convention to refine messaging ahead of 2026, but Johnson dismissed the idea as “hilarious.” “If they’re going to put on display what they did at their little workshop a couple of weeks ago, bring it,” he said.
Trump first floated the midterm convention concept last week, framing it as a way to rally Republicans following gains in the 2024 election. While midterm conventions are uncommon outside presidential election years, Trump argued it could help energize the party base and capitalize on recent victories.
