CA, US & World
Republicans Approve Unusual Midterm Convention Headlined by Trump
Republicans are moving forward with plans to hold a rare midterm political convention, a move designed to place President Donald Trump at the center of the party’s strategy ahead of the 2026 congressional elections.
The Republican National Committee voted unanimously during its winter meeting in Santa Barbara, California, to change party rules that previously limited conventions to presidential election years. The rule change clears the way for what party leaders describe as an “America First” convention-style gathering aligned with Trump’s vision of energizing voters for the fall midterm campaign.
The White House is expected to determine the date and location of the event in the coming weeks, with Las Vegas among the cities being considered. Under the new rules, the convention must be announced at least 60 days in advance.
The decision reflects how central Trump remains to the Republican Party’s midterm strategy. GOP leaders believe the former president’s presence could help motivate low-turnout voters who strongly support him but may not otherwise participate in midterm elections.
Trump has openly pushed for the idea, saying the event would highlight accomplishments since the 2024 presidential election. The stakes are high for Republicans, particularly after losing control of the House during Trump’s first term following the 2018 midterms. That loss led to impeachment proceedings and multiple congressional investigations.
Democrats, meanwhile, are counting on Trump’s involvement to energize their own voters. Recent polling shows Democrats holding an advantage in the generic congressional ballot, similar to where the party stood ahead of the 2018 midterms. Other surveys suggest Trump has lost support among independent voters since returning to office.
While some Republicans acknowledge the risks of nationalizing midterm races around Trump, party leaders say they believe his ability to rally the base outweighs potential downsides. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has argued that putting Trump front and center could turn midterm turnout patterns on their head.
Democrats have discussed the possibility of holding their own midterm convention, though no decision has been finalized. The last time the party held such an event was more than 40 years ago.
Credit: CNN Newsource
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
January 23, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Help us choose the next NBC Palm Springs Fan of the Week! Vote for Video 1, 2, 3 or 4. The fan with the most votes will win a pair of tickets to next week’s Coachella Valley Firebirds game! Voting ends Thursday. Who’s your pick?
Spirit Halloween has revealed its top Halloween costume trends for 2026, and pop culture is driving the picks. Off Campus, Toy Story, K-pop Demon Hunters, superheroes, Greek gods and warriors — and plenty of Dolly Partons — are expected to be popular. What are you dressing up as this Halloween? #Halloween2026 #SpiritHalloween #HalloweenCostumes #nbcpalmsprings
After a car drove through a walkway, damaging Bill’s Pizza, the restaurant appears to have begun repairs and is still open the following day. The neighboring store, Gallivant was also damaged and is closed until Monday. The store has a gofundme page opened for them by a neighboring bookstore to support the cost of the damages. NBC Palm Springs is following the effects of this accident and what this means to the Palm Springs community. #billspizza #palmsprings #continuingcoverage #localnews #coachellavalley
Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are using bioengineered baker's yeast to break down plastic into ingredients for cookies.
Camden, Arkansas, is the unlikely hub of US missile manufacturing after years of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have drained the country's arsenal. But the Trump administration's push to scale up defense production is colliding with the limits of the small, rural town.
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will 1) Devin Session with the diving TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dot on the run, 3) Reese Johnson with the clutch FG, 4) Kaylaun Smith running over defenders, or 5) Joshua Perez with the TD throw. #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🏒🔥 LET’S HEAR FROM TIM O’BRIEN! We’re kicking off Coachella Valley Firebirds Opening Night and catching up with Tim O’Brien! Hear what he has to say as the Firebirds get ready to hit the ice for another exciting season. 🏒🔥 #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #Firebirds #OpeningNight #Hockey #CoachellaValley PalmSprings CVFirebirds
SHARE this reel to help find ‘The Fab 5’ a home! 🐶🤍 #therogginreport #palmsprings #dogrescue #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings