RNC takes first step toward greenlighting Trump’s midterm convention

SANTA BARBARA, California —The Republican National Committee on Friday took its first formal step toward a midterm convention, underscoring the high-stakes battle for control of Congress.

The RNC unanimously approved a rule change during its winter meeting in Santa Barbara that would allow the party to hold a convention during a midterm election year. A large number of RNC members had already left the meeting to catch flights home ahead of winter storms by the time the vote was actually brought up. The rest bolted almost immediately after.

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters speaks at the RNC winter meeting in Santa Barbara, California, on Jan. 23, 2026. (Barnini Chakraborty/Washington Examiner)

RNC Chair Joe Gruters told those who stayed that he was ”incredibly excited about the possibility