Speaker Johnson Confirms Trump’s Midterm Convention Plan on Track

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s recently floated idea for a special midterm convention is likely to proceed. The Louisiana Republican described the proposal, first discussed on a phone call last week, as bold and energizing for the party heading into the 2026 election cycle.

“The president called me while I was traveling,” Johnson told reporters. “He said, ‘Mike, I’ve got an idea — how about a midterm convention?’ And I replied, ‘That’s genius.’” According to Johnson, Trump envisions a gathering unlike anything done before — a rallying point to help Republicans build momentum and celebrate their platform ahead of next year’s campaigns.

Johnson said the idea isn’t just talk. Trump plans to consult Senate Majority Leader John Thune and new Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters to flesh out the details. “I think everybody’s on board,” he said, claiming the plan is already moving toward confirmation. “I’m really excited about it. We have so much to celebrate.”

As Republicans mull holding this convention in an off-year, Democrats are reportedly considering staging their own message-focused event. Johnson dismissed the idea as laughable. “If they want to re-present what they did in their little workshop recently, bring it on,” he said. “All we have to do now is pick a venue, lock in plans, and we’re off to the races.”

While national conventions are typical in presidential years, midterm versions are rare. Trump has argued the move could galvanize the base, allowing Republicans to spotlight gains since his 2024 victory and set the tone for the midterm elections.

Johnson emphasized that Republicans want to maintain control of Congress, even though history often favors the party out of power during midterms. He also noted that some Republican-controlled states, like Texas, are pushing mid-decade redistricting to tighten their advantage in the House.

During an earlier interview, Johnson asserted Republicans won “in every aspect” during the 2024 presidential contest and predicted the party is well-positioned to exceed expectations next year.

Trump, for his part, has publicly endorsed the convention concept. In a post on his platform, he hailed the GOP’s fundraising strength and suggested a national pre-midterm convention “has never been done before.” He teased, “STAY TUNED!!!”

As the Republican message gains momentum, Democrats are contending with a troubling trend in voter registration. According to a New York Times–L2 analysis, Republicans have added more new voters than Democrats for the first time since 2018. Between 2020 and 2024, the Democratic Party lost about 2.1 million registrants, while Republicans gained approximately 2.4 million.

In 30 states that report party registration data, Democrats lost ground to Republicans in every single one during this period — often by substantial margins. The shift underscores growing political headwinds for Democrats as they head into midterm fights.

The registration swing accompanies Trump’s expanding coalition: he made inroads among men, younger voters, and Latino communities, reshaping voter dynamics in key battlegrounds. The realignment helps explain why Republican leaders now see a midterm convention as more than symbolic — as a tool to harness and amplify this momentum.

Johnson framed the convention as a bold move that signals confidence, cohesion, and vision. He argued it offers Republicans a chance to set the narrative rather than chase headlines. “Trump loves the big show,” Johnson said, claiming a spectacle of that scale would offer a moment of unity and celebration for the party.

Though many questions remain — timing, location, format, and cost — Johnson insists those details are in motion. For now, Republicans appear committed to breaking new ground in midterm campaigning, betting the payoff will outweigh the risks.

Meanwhile, Democrats must decide whether to answer with their own large-scale counter from the minority. If they choose to join the spectacle, they may find it difficult to match the narrative control Republicans hope to wield.

One thing is clear: Republicans are treating this midterm convention idea as a statement of intent — not a gimmick. If executed successfully, it could mark a new chapter in how parties engage supporters between presidential cycles.