WASHINGTON ‒ President Donald Trump said Republicans will hold a midterm convention ahead of the 2026 elections as the White House looks to stave off losses in Congress that historically beset the party in power.

Trump, who last month floated the idea of a midterm convention, confirmed the plans in a Sept. 16 post on Truth Social, though he did not say when the convention would happen, where it would take place or what it would involve.

"The Republicans are going to do a Midterm Convention in order to show the great things we have done since the Presidential Election of 2024," Trump wrote. "Time and place to be determined. Stay tuned, it will be quite the Event, and very exciting!"

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and a 219-213 majority in the House. Trump has already taken unprecedented steps to try to maintain his party's grip on Congress by pushing Republican governors and lawmakers in Texas and other states to redraw their congressional lines before the next census to help Republicans' chances in the House.

National party conventions, which historically take place only in the year of presidential elections, give Republicans and Democrats large prime-time audiences to deliver their messages and showcase their presidential nominees. The events often result in post-convention polling bounces for the presidential candidates who are the center of the spectacles.

A smaller midterm convention would give Republicans an opportunity to showcase their crop of House and Senate candidates on a national stage. Yet it's unclear whether a convention without a presidential race will attract the same level of viewership and resonate with the electorate.

Democrats have been considering holding their own midterm convention, though new Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin has not confirmed final plans.

"To showcase our tremendous candidates running up and down the ballot and harness the amazing grassroots energy we’re already seeing, several options are on the table for next year, including hosting a midterm convention," DNC spokesman Abhi Rahman said. "The sincerest form of flattery is imitation and we're amused the President is following our lead.”

Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump says Republicans will hold a midterm convention before 2026 elections

Reporting by Joey Garrison, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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