Trump’s Midterm Chances Improving?
Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Chairman Matt Schlapp believes President Donald Trump and Republicans have a real opportunity to hold their congressional majorities in the 2026 midterm elections, despite history typically favoring the party out of power.
Speaking Wednesday during an appearance on Newsmax’s “The Record with Greta Van Susteren,” Schlapp argued that the political environment is different this time because of what he described as the Democratic Party’s increasing shift toward the progressive left.
According to Schlapp, Republican candidates could benefit as more Democratic nominees embrace policies that many independent and moderate voters reject.
“It’s because these are lunatics that they’re nominating,” Schlapp said.
Schlapp argued that progressive lawmakers who once represented only a small faction of the Democratic Party are becoming increasingly influential.
He pointed to political developments in New York City as an example, saying the movement has grown well beyond the small group of lawmakers commonly referred to as “The Squad.”
According to Schlapp, if current trends continue, candidates with far-left views could eventually make up a much larger share of the Democratic caucus in Congress.
Trump Announces First-Ever Republican Midterm Convention
Schlapp also praised Trump’s decision to hold what the president says will be the Republican Party’s first national midterm convention.
Trump announced on Tuesday through Truth Social that Republicans will gather in Dallas on Sept. 9-10 for a two-day event designed to highlight his administration’s accomplishments and build enthusiasm heading into the 2026 elections.
The president described the gathering as a historic moment for the GOP and an opportunity to unite supporters before voters head to the polls next year.
Schlapp believes the convention could provide Republicans with additional momentum.
“I’m happy it’s in Dallas,” he said, noting that Texas is home to one of the country’s most closely watched Senate contests.
Recent polling has shown a competitive race involving Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, making the contest one of the GOP’s highest priorities as Republicans work to protect their Senate majority.
Breaking With Political Tradition
National conventions held during non-presidential election years are uncommon, largely because of the significant costs involved.
Schlapp acknowledged the expense but said Trump has built his political career by challenging traditional campaign strategies.
“They’re expensive,” Schlapp said, noting that conventions require funding that could otherwise be directed toward individual campaigns.
Still, he believes Trump’s willingness to take a different approach could prove beneficial.
“You’ve got to give Trump credit,” Schlapp said. “It’s novel. It breaks the old system.”
He added that Trump’s willingness to chart his own course is one of the qualities many conservatives continue to appreciate as Republicans prepare for the critical 2026 midterm elections.
