GOP Desperately Needs Trump
Republican strategist Scott Jennings is sounding the alarm ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, warning that the GOP still faces a major turnout challenge whenever President Donald Trump is not at the top of the ticket. Jennings, author of A Revolution of Common Sense, says the party must get serious about voter engagement if it wants to protect its majority in Congress.
Speaking on Newsmax’s Saturday Agenda, Jennings pointed to Democrats’ sweeping wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and even New York City earlier this month. He said these races should be a clear warning that Democrats remain highly organized and motivated—even while Republicans hold the White House, the House, and the Senate under President Trump.
Jennings stressed that Republicans still have a powerful advantage: “We have the best communicator and the best salesman in American politics sitting in the Oval Office.” He noted that President Trump is uniquely capable of traveling the country, energizing voters, and drawing a clear contrast between “Republican leadership” and the “increasingly radical, socialist agenda” pushed by Democrats.
But Jennings admitted he’s still concerned. “Of course I’m worried. I’ve been in politics a long time. History shows the party out of power usually gains ground. Republicans need to make the strongest case possible about why we cannot allow Democrats to drag this country further down their extreme path.”
Next year, all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats will be on the ballot. While Republicans currently control both chambers, Democrats’ recent victories in swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia show they can still mobilize their base—even though they are completely shut out of federal power after losing to President Trump in 2024.
For the GOP, these results are a reminder: Trump’s voters must be turned out consistently, not only when he is the one on the ballot.
Vice President JD Vance highlighted this issue on social media, urging Republicans to double down on voter turnout operations and ensure the millions of Americans who backed Trump in 2024 show up again in 2026.
