RNC Formally Approves First‑Ever 2026 Midterm Convention Backed by Trump
The full RNC voted unanimously by voice vote to amend its bylaws and remove procedural hurdles to hold a first‑ever 2026 "midterm convention" backed by Donald Trump, with Chair Joe Gruters saying early fall is the likely timing and Dallas and Las Vegas being floated as potential host cities. Gruters said the party must "do things outside the box" to defy history and called Trump "by far the best messenger we have," and the committee also voted to posthumously honor Charlie Kirk.
📌 Key Facts
- The full Republican National Committee unanimously approved by voice vote amending its bylaws to remove procedural hurdles to holding a 2026 "midterm convention."
- RNC Chair Joe Gruters said the party is likely to hold the convention in early fall rather than the traditional summer window used for presidential nominating conventions.
- Dallas and Las Vegas are being floated as potential host cities for the 2026 midterm convention.
- Gruters said the party must "do things outside the box" to "defy history" in midterms and called Donald Trump "by far the best messenger we have."
- At the same meeting the RNC also voted to posthumously honor Charlie Kirk.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
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January 23, 2026
9:09 PM
RNC clears the way for "midterm convention" later this year
New information:
- The full RNC, not just its Rules Committee, has now voted unanimously by voice vote to amend bylaws and remove procedural hurdles to holding a 2026 'midterm convention.'
- RNC Chair Joe Gruters says early fall is the likely timing for the convention, rather than the traditional summer window used for presidential nominating conventions.
- Dallas and Las Vegas are specifically being floated as potential host cities for the midterm convention.
- Gruters is quoted saying that to 'defy history' in midterms the party must 'do things outside the box,' and calling Trump 'by far the best messenger we have.'
- The RNC also voted at the same meeting to posthumously honor Charlie Kirk.