Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Russ Carnahan, a former congressman, has weighed in on a significant development involving House Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump. Johnson is backing Trump’s idea of holding a presidential-style Republican National Convention (RNC) before the 2026 midterms. This unconventional move, designed to boost party energy and enthusiasm, is seen as a strategy to energize the GOP base ahead of the critical midterm elections.

During an interview with Fox News, Johnson shared that Trump had personally called him to discuss the idea. Trump pitched the concept of holding a massive convention before the midterms to drum up excitement and help secure Republican control of both the U.S. House and Senate. Johnson, who has been a vocal advocate for Trump’s influence in the party, immediately supported the plan, expressing enthusiasm for what he believed could serve as a “rallying point” for Republicans.

Trump’s prediction is that the GOP will dominate in the 2024 presidential election and carry that momentum into the 2026 midterms. Reflecting on his recent visit to Detroit, Johnson mentioned receiving a call from Trump just 15 minutes before an appearance, where Trump was clearly excited about the idea. The two discussed the potential of the event, which Johnson believes could showcase the party’s accomplishments and help galvanize voters for the upcoming midterms.

In his Truth Social post, Trump emphasized the strength of the GOP, boasting about the party’s fundraising advantages and its progress in addressing issues left by the Biden administration. He also shared his excitement about the idea of a pre-midterm convention, which he believes would serve as a major boost for the party.

Despite some skepticism from Democratic leaders like Carnahan, who are critical of Trump’s approach, Johnson and Trump remain bullish on the potential benefits of the proposed convention. The duo is focused on choosing the right location and timing for the event, which they hope will serve as a key moment for energizing Republicans ahead of the midterms.

As the discussion unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the idea will gain broader traction within the party, but it certainly adds a new dynamic to the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Trump’s messaging and influence over the GOP continue to shape the party’s strategy for maintaining its political dominance.