The Republican National Committee unanimously approved a bylaw amendment enabling a potential GOP "midterm convention" ahead of November's midterms, removing procedural barriers at its Santa Barbara winter meeting. Dallas and Las Vegas are being considered as host cities, with party officials eyeing early fall rather than summer. RNC Chair Joe Gruters said the event would spotlight President Donald Trump's first-year record and provide a high-profile platform for the party. The RNC also voted to posthumously honor Charlie Kirk.
RNC Unanimously Approves Rule Change to Allow GOP 'Midterm Convention' Ahead of November
RNC Chair Joe Gruters speaks at the committee's winter meeting in Santa Barbara, California, on Jan. 23, 2026. / Credit: Patrick T. Fallon /AFP via Getty Images(Wilfredo Lee / AP)
Santa Barbara, California — The Republican National Committee on Friday voted to amend its bylaws, clearing the way for a possible GOP "midterm convention" to be held before November's midterm elections.
Conventions are typically reserved for presidential election years, but the RNC said the bylaw change removes procedural obstacles so the party can explore a special gathering to spotlight its agenda. The measure passed unanimously by voice vote during the RNC's winter meeting in Santa Barbara.
Party officials have identified two likely host cities—Dallas and Las Vegas—and a senior GOP source indicated the event would probably take place in early fall rather than the summer months when presidential nominating conventions usually occur.
Why a midterm convention? Supporters, including RNC Chair Joe Gruters, say a convention would provide a high-profile platform to showcase accomplishments and sharpen the party's message heading into a challenging midterm environment.
"If we're going to defy history, we got to do things outside the box, and one of the things is highlighting all the great things the president has done over the first year," Gruters told CBS News. "There is no better way than to tell the American people all the great things the president has done than over a convention. It has never been done before."
Gruters also called Donald Trump "by far the best messenger we have." Trump, who has frequently expressed frustration that the party holding the White House often fares poorly in midterms, has pushed party leaders to pursue strategies that could boost turnout and reshape expectations.
On the final day of the winter meeting, the RNC also voted to posthumously honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
What happens next? The bylaw change simply allows the party to proceed with planning; it does not set a date or formally select a host city. Party officials will continue internal discussions on timing, format and logistics as they weigh whether a midterm convention would help unify the party and energize voters ahead of November.
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