{"id":2549708,"date":"2026-01-23T19:51:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T00:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rnc-takes-first-step-toward-greenlighting-trumps-midterm-elections-convention-6\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T19:52:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T00:52:35","slug":"rnc-takes-first-step-toward-greenlighting-trumps-midterm-elections-convention-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rnc-takes-first-step-toward-greenlighting-trumps-midterm-elections-convention-6\/","title":{"rendered":"RNC takes first step toward greenlighting Trump&#8217;s midterm elections convention"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Frnc-takes-first-step-toward-greenlighting-trumps-midterm-elections-convention-6%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2549708&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Republican National Committee voted unanimously at its winter meeting in Santa Barbara to change rules so the party can hold a convention during a midterm election year. RNC Chair Joe Gruters &#8211; President Trump&#8217;s choice to lead the committee &#8211; said the move would let Republicans highlight the management&#8217;s accomplishments, rally supporters, recruit candidates, and help defend GOP congressional majorities.The vote occurred as many members were leaving early because of winter storms. Party leaders touted the idea as a way to prevent Trump from becoming a lame-duck president, with states such as Nevada and Texas lobbying to host the event. Observers noted the GOP faces internal divisions and external controversies &#8211; including disputes over greenland policy and immigration enforcement &#8211; that could complicate midterm messaging. The Democratic National Committee is also weighing the possibility of a midterm convention. The RNC additionally passed a resolution honoring the late charlie Kirk and observed a moment of silence for Rep. Doug LaMalfa.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">RNC takes first step toward greenlighting Trump&rsquo;s midterm convention<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2482460\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>SANTA BARBARA, California <\/strong>&mdash;The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/republican-national-committee\/\">Republican National Committee <\/a>on Friday took its first formal step toward a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-election\/\">midterm convention<\/a>, underscoring the high-stakes battle for control of Congress.<\/p>\n<p>The RNC unanimously approved a rule change during its <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.c-span.org\/event\/public-affairs-event\/rnc-chair-delivers-remarks-at-annual-winter-meeting\/439624\">winter meeting<\/a> in Santa Barbara that would allow the party to hold a convention during a midterm election year.&nbsp;A large number of RNC members had already left the meeting to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rnc-takes-first-step-toward-greenlighting-trumps-midterm-elections-convention\/\" title=\"... first step toward greenlighting ...&#039;s midterm elections ...\">catch flights home ahead<\/a> of winter storms by the time the vote was actually brought up. The rest bolted almost immediately after. <\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4431923\/trumps-first-congressional-backer-announces-comeback-house-bid-in-florida\/\">Trump&#8217;s first Congressional backer announces comeback House bid in Florida<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4432026\/va-workforce-losses-veteran-healthcare\/\">More than a million veterans left without primary care providers because of VA staffing losses, watchdog warns<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4431297\/democrats-see-hope-in-plan-to-crack-gop-supermajorities-in-state-legislatures\/\">Democrats see hope in plan to crack GOP supermajorities in state legislatures<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">RNC Chairman Joe Gruters speaks at the RNC winter meeting in Santa Barbara, California, on Jan. 23, 2026. (Barnini Chakraborty\/Washington Examiner) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3778219\/rnc-elects-joe-gruters-chairman-replacing-michael-whatley\/\">RNC Chair Joe Gruters<\/a> told those who stayed that he was &rdquo;incredibly excited about the possibility of hosting a midterm convention to highlight what <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">President [Donald] Trump<\/a> and Republicans have been able to accomplish this year.&rdquo; <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If the president wants us to host a convention to highlight the great work his administration has done for the American people, we are [going to do] the work now, and will be ready to act when that time comes to ensure the greatest American comeback,&rdquo; he said. <\/p>\n<p>Gruters, Trump&rsquo;s personal pick to lead the RNC, told party chairs and committee members that helping elect a Republican Congress and ensuring Trump doesn&rsquo;t become a lame duck, starts with them. Gruters, a Florida state senator who replaced Michael Whatley last year for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/progressive-wing-is-powerful-group-in-the-democratic-party-byron-york\/\" title=\"Progressive wing is powerful group in the Democratic ...: Byron York\">national leadership role<\/a>, is a fierce supporter and early backer of Trump.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We are organizing early, recruiting strong candidates, capable candidates, raising the money, investing wisely, and working hand in glove with the White House to support this president,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Despite&nbsp;his sunny spin,&nbsp;Republicans are heading into the midterm election cycle on shaky ground, battered by internal divisions and external controversies that have left the party struggling to find its footing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Debates around the Trump administration&rsquo;s posture on Greenland have&nbsp;unexpectedly&nbsp;crept&nbsp;into midterm calculations. Trump, after ramping up rhetoric about asserting greater U.S. influence in Greenland, shifted this week toward a more diplomatic framework. <\/p>\n<p>Some Republican strategists told the <em>Washington Examiner&nbsp;<\/em>that international distractions could divert attention from problems at home and dilute the party&rsquo;s message on domestic priorities.&nbsp;There is also worry that controversies over immigration enforcement in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/minneapolis\/\">Minneapolis<\/a> and ICE agents being dispatched to local communities have fueled emotional debates across the country that could hurt the party in November.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Gruters&rsquo;s solution, for now, seems to hinge on a large-scale GOP midterm convention this summer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>National political party conventions typically take place every four years during a presidential election. Delegates and party enthusiasts from all 50 states meet to officially cast their votes for a presidential and vice presidential nominee. They go back to their states enthused and ready to do the work to get their nominee elected.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Trump announced last September that the GOP would hold a convention ahead of the midterm elections &ldquo;in order to show the great things we have done&rdquo; since recapturing the White House.&nbsp;The RNC has not announced where the convention will be held or given specific dates, but advocates from Nevada and Texas were pushing their states as possibilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s a fantastic idea and a way for us to gather together and show that we do support the president,&rdquo; Annalisa Stravato, a national committeewoman from Connecticut, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hawaii RNC committeewoman Shirlene Ostrov agreed and said that the January meeting helped focus RNC members on the task at hand.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;What we have gotten is a resolve from the Republican leaders across the nation that we are determined to protect the gains made by President Trump last year and make sure he&rsquo;s a four-year president by preserving the majorities across the country,&rdquo; she told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The Democratic National Committee is similarly considering a midterm election convention. At its winter meeting in Los&nbsp;Angeles last month, officials from Utah and Nebraska were among those jockeying for their state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4431091\/jd-vance-anti-abortion-activists-realistic-national-politics\/\">VANCE URGES ANTI-ABORTION ACTIVISTS TO BE &lsquo;REALISTIC&rsquo; AND ORGANIZE ON THE &lsquo;STATE LEVEL&rsquo;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The RNC also passed a resolution&nbsp;at its winter meeting honoring the late <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/charlie-kirk\/\">Charlie Kirk<\/a>, the founder of Turning Point USA, who <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >helped mobilize young voters<\/a> around a pro-Trump agenda. He was shot and killed at a speaking event in Utah. <\/p>\n<p>There was also a moment of silence for the late Doug LaMalfa, a Republican U.S. House representative from California, who died unexpectedly last month.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>RNC votes to allow Trump midterm convention<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2646,"featured_media":2549709,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wintermeeting1-e1769206982319.jpeg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[6203,34250,35737,6915,3634],"class_list":["post-2549708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-gop","tag-midterm-elections","tag-political-convention","tag-rnc","tag-trump"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wintermeeting1-e1769206982319.jpeg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2549708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2646"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2549708"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2549708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2549712,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2549708\/revisions\/2549712"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2549709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2549708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2549708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2549708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}