U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred the political waters with his recent announcement of plans to hold a midterm convention aimed at bolstering Republican turnout in the 2026 elections. While specifics remain sparse, Trump envisions this event as a platform to highlight his own achievements and rally his base in a bid to consolidate the party’s slim majority in the House of Representatives. On Truth Social, he stated, “I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!!”
Historically, midterm elections have favored the opposition party, driven by the fact that the most motivated voters are often those dissatisfied with the incumbent. A convention could potentially energize Trump’s supporters, especially those who may have been less engaged since the 2024 election, by providing them with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency.
Interestingly, Democrats are also exploring the possibility of hosting a midterm convention. Their strategy would be to capture national media attention, framing the elections as a referendum on Trump and the MAGA Republicans. By positioning themselves against what they describe as the plutocratic and autocratic tendencies of their opponents, they hope to realign themselves with the working-class issues facing many Americans. Given the challenging polling numbers for the party, a well-executed convention could serve as a critical opportunity to reconnect with disillusioned voters and redefine their message following the turbulent end of former President Joe Biden’s administration.
To better understand the significance of midterm conventions today, it’s useful to look back at the 1970s when Democrats first attempted this approach during a period of political upheaval. Historian Steve Benen noted that while Trump asserts that this strategy is unprecedented, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) did indeed hold midterm conventions in the 1970s and ‘80s, abandoning the practice before the 1986 elections.
The Democratic conventions of 1974 and 1978—officially named the Conference on Democratic Policy and Organization—were born out of a crisis of confidence similar to the current political climate. Following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, younger party reformers like Rep. Don Fraser from Minnesota argued for a high-profile gathering to reconnect the party with its base and showcase emerging leadership. These midterm conventions aimed to unify the party’s various factions, which had often clashed over differing principles, issues, and ideas.
However, the outcome of those conventions was largely underwhelming. Internal divisions, unclear messaging, and a lack of a coherent strategy to counteract the rising conservative movement rendered these gatherings little more than symbolic gestures, failing to establish a foundation for electoral success.
Could the scenario be different in 2026? The midterm conventions of the 1970s occurred in a climate ripe for political reform, with Democrats reeling from the fallout of a chaotic convention in Chicago in 1968. Frustration among younger party members with older Southern conservatives and entrenched urban Democrats led to demands for a more open and accountable party structure. Issues like feminism, environmentalism, pacifism, and social justice became central to the new generation of Democrats.
Following Richard Nixon’s victory in 1968, the Democratic Party faced a crisis that spurred internal reforms aimed at revitalizing its ideological coherence. The Watergate scandal further eroded public trust in elected officials, increasing the urgency for Democrats to solidify their platform and message. The midterm convention was seen as a way to craft a unifying and ambitious agenda that would appeal to an increasingly diverse membership.
When Democrats convened in December 1974 in Kansas City, the atmosphere was filled with uncertainty. NPR covered the proceedings, and various presidential hopefuls, including Washington Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson and former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, used the event to position themselves for the 1976 election. The convention ultimately produced a 3,500-word charter that emphasized democratic and inclusive processes, as well as a “Statement of Economic Policy” focused on New Deal-style initiatives to protect the middle class.
Despite the enthusiasm, the conference fell short of its primary goal of achieving unity. Many perceived that DNC Chairman Robert Strauss prioritized damage control over bold reforms, and the charter would not be implemented until 1980. The subsequent infighting within the party only deepened, culminating in a divided Democratic front heading into the 1980 election, where a challenge from Kennedy highlighted the party’s internal struggles.
Fast forward to today, the proposed midterm conventions would differ significantly from those of the past. Unlike the gatherings in the 1970s, which occurred after elections with the aim of unifying the party, today’s conventions would take place before voting, designed to energize supporters and present a clear national message. The current political landscape is more polarized, with divisions within both parties being less pronounced compared to past decades.
Moreover, in an era where attention is a crucial political asset, these conventions could serve as a vital platform for both parties to reinforce their campaign themes and rally support. With razor-thin majorities in Congress, the goal will be to sway a small number of voters or motivate the politically disengaged to participate in the electoral process. Therefore, even a modest impact from these conventions could be enough to tip the balance of power.
While the midterm conventions of the 1970s were soon dismissed as ineffective, the political environment of 2026 presents a unique opportunity for such gatherings to play a significant role in advancing party interests on Election Day. As both parties look to navigate the complexities of contemporary politics, the potential impact of these conventions may be more profound than many anticipate.
