WASHINGTON — Both parties are reportedly considering holding major gatherings next summer ahead of the midterm elections akin to the nominating conventions typically reserved for presidential elections to nominate the party’s official candidates.
President Donald Trump floated the idea on Truth Social earlier this week, saying he was “thinking of recommending a National Convention” just ahead of the elections next year. Such an idea “has never been done before,” he said, and is highly unusual for a midterm contest when voter turnout is historically lower than presidential years.
“We won every aspect of the Presidential Election and, based on the great success we are having, are poised to WIN BIG IN THE MIDTERMS,” Trump wrote. “The results are incredible, a record pace!!!”
Trump’s suggestion came just one day after Axios reported that Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin has privately proposed hosting a national convention to boost candidates as the party seeks to take control of Congress next year.
It also would give Democrats an opportunity to introduce themselves to voters and garner national name recognition as they consider who to elevate as their presidential candidate in 2028.
The conventions would serve as a way for both parties to generate larger voter turnout as the balance of power in Congress is up for grabs. Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate, but historical trends show that the party of the sitting president typically loses control of the House in the midterm elections — usually as a referendum on the president’s policies.
“Several options are on the table for next year, including hosting a large-scale gathering before the midterms,” Abhi Rahman, a spokesman for the DNC, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Sunday. Doing so would be an opportunity to “showcase our tremendous candidates running up and down the ballot.”
Hosting such a gathering would mean high stakes for Democrats, who are experiencing the lowest polling numbers the party has experienced in decades. Roughly 63% of voters hold an unfavorable view of the party, according to a recent survey by the Wall Street Journal. A majority of voters also say they trust Republicans to lead the country over Democrats.
But a mini-convention would allow them to unify on messaging and fundraise ahead of the midterm elections.
Republican leaders were quick to back Trump’s idea of a national convention, with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., responding on X: “YES, Mr. President! Let’s go!!!!”
It’s not yet clear whether either party will host the events next summer. No official announcements have been made.