GOP Gets Midterms Guidelines

Republicans are preparing for a major election-year gathering in Dallas, and one longtime Trump adviser says the party needs to make sure voters hear about more than President Donald Trump.

Hogan Gidley, a senior adviser to the America First Policy Institute and former Trump White House official, said Monday that Republicans should put policy front and center as they make their case to voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America,” Gidley argued that Democrats would prefer to make November’s elections primarily a referendum on Trump.

His advice to Republicans: Don’t let them.

Instead, Gidley said GOP candidates should focus heavily on the economy, taxes, border security, crime, government spending and other issues affecting American families.

The message comes at a critical moment for Republicans as control of Congress hangs in the balance.

Republicans Prepare for Dallas Midterm Convention

Republicans will gather in Dallas on Sept. 9 and 10 for the party’s first national midterm convention, an unusual event designed to generate enthusiasm and put a national spotlight on Republican candidates.

President Trump is scheduled to participate on both nights and deliver the keynote address Thursday. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver Wednesday night’s keynote.

The convention comes less than two months before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in Congress, meaning the results could significantly affect Washington during the remaining two years of Trump’s term.

If Democrats capture either chamber, they could gain considerably more power to challenge Republican legislation, conduct congressional investigations and scrutinize the administration.

If Republicans retain their majorities, the party would be in a stronger position to continue advancing its legislative priorities.

That makes the midterms about far more than individual congressional races.

Gidley Says Republicans Have a Record to Defend

Gidley argued that Republicans should aggressively promote what they consider the administration’s accomplishments rather than allow every congressional contest to revolve around Trump personally.

He pointed to immigration enforcement, crime, federal employment and economic policy as areas Republicans can emphasize.

Gidley also argued that gasoline prices compare favorably with prices during the Biden administration.

Those economic arguments are likely to receive significant attention as Americans continue watching everyday expenses, including gasoline, groceries, utilities, housing and health care.

For voters approaching retirement or already living on fixed incomes, changes in household costs can carry particular importance.

Republicans appear prepared to make those pocketbook concerns a major part of their Dallas message.

The official convention schedule includes programming devoted to tax relief, health care affordability, domestic manufacturing, government spending, border security, public safety and other economic issues.

GOP Wants to Draw a Sharp Contrast With Democrats

Gidley said promoting Republican policies is only half of the equation.

He believes GOP candidates must also explain how Democratic priorities differ from their own.

During his television appearance, Gidley accused Democrats of favoring weaker immigration enforcement, higher taxes and policies that he believes would undermine law enforcement.

He also criticized progressive activists who have advocated major changes to American political institutions.

Those statements reflect Gidley’s characterization of Democrats and should not be interpreted as positions held by every Democratic candidate. The Democratic Party includes candidates with differing views on policing, immigration, taxation and government reform.

Still, Republicans are clearly preparing to make ideological differences between the parties a centerpiece of their midterm strategy.

The official convention agenda describes one portion of Wednesday’s programming as “Two Visions for America,” highlighting the GOP’s effort to contrast Republican and Democratic approaches.

Taxes Could Become a Major Midterm Issue

Taxes are also expected to receive significant attention.

Republicans are promoting provisions affecting tips, overtime, families and retirement savings as they attempt to convince voters that keeping the GOP in control of Congress will protect those policies.

Gidley warned that Democrats could pursue a different tax agenda if they regain congressional power.

That debate could be particularly important for working-class households, retirees and small-business owners concerned about how decisions in Washington affect their finances.

Rather than relying exclusively on broad political slogans, Republicans appear determined to connect their message to household budgets.

Border Security Remains Central to Republican Message

Immigration is another issue Republicans are expected to emphasize heavily in Dallas.

Gidley portrayed the Trump administration’s border policies as a major Republican accomplishment and argued that voters should consider how Democratic immigration policies would differ.

The convention schedule likewise places border security and immigration enforcement among its featured issues.

Republicans have made immigration a defining element of their national platform for years, while Democrats have criticized portions of Trump’s enforcement strategy and offered competing approaches to immigration and border policy.

Those differences ensure the border will remain one of the major dividing lines between the parties heading into November.

Trump Will Still Be at the Center of the Convention

Despite Gidley’s call for Republicans to broaden their message, Trump will remain a dominant presence at the Dallas gathering.

The president is scheduled to appear during both nights, culminating with his keynote address Thursday.

Vance will headline Wednesday.

The Republican National Committee says the convention will showcase the administration’s record, Republican candidates and the party’s plans for the future.

Candidate showcases are also scheduled for both evenings, giving Republicans running in competitive races an opportunity to reach a national audience.

Democrats previously considered holding their own midterm convention but decided against the proposal.

Control of Congress Is on the Line

The larger battle is over who controls Capitol Hill after Election Day.

Republicans are defending narrow congressional majorities, giving Democrats an opportunity to change the balance of power in Washington.

The outcome could determine whether Trump spends the remainder of his term working with a Republican-controlled Congress or confronting one or more chambers controlled by Democrats.

That prospect gives both parties considerable incentive to motivate voters who might otherwise sit out a midterm election.

For Republicans, Gidley believes the answer is a straightforward policy contrast.

His message is that GOP candidates should talk about Trump’s record, but they should also make the election about taxes, immigration, public safety, household expenses and the direction Democrats would take Washington if they regained power.

The Dallas convention will provide Republicans with one of their biggest national stages before Election Day to make that argument.

Whether voters ultimately view the midterms primarily as a judgment on Trump or as a choice between two competing policy agendas will be one of the central questions of the 2026 campaign.