Despite not being on the ballot this November, President Donald Trump will be a major focus during the Republican National Committee's midterm convention.
Republican leaders are planning what RNC Chairman Joe Gruters described as a "Trump-a-palooza" designed to energize the GOP base, boost turnout, and help Republicans maintain control of Congress, the Washington Examiner reported.
The convention, a first-of-its-kind event for the RNC, is expected to take place between the final primary contests and the Nov. 3 general election.
While party officials have not announced a location, Texas appears to be a leading contender after RNC representatives recently toured Dallas’ American Airlines Center.
Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Iowa are also under consideration.
Gruters said Trump will be the centerpiece of the gathering as Republicans work to motivate voters who reliably turn out when he is on the ballot but are often less engaged in midterm elections.
"The upcoming Midterm Convention will be a Trump-a-palooza that will showcase the strength of the Republican Party and the candidates carrying President Trump's America First agenda forward," Gruters told the Examiner.
The strategy reflects a longstanding challenge for Republicans.
Historically, the party controlling the White House often loses congressional seats during midterms, and GOP strategists acknowledge that turnout among Trump supporters will be critical this year.
"We have a president that's been able to turn out these low-propensity voters three different times," Gruters said in a recent interview. "He will deliver for us this November."
The White House also emphasized Trump’s continued role as the dominant force within the Republican Party.
"President Trump will continue to draw a sharp contrast with his commonsense agenda and the radical Democrats in Congress," White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said.
Several key Senate and House races are expected to be highlighted at the convention, including a closely watched Texas Senate race that could attract hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign spending.
Republican strategists believe Trump's presence could help generate enthusiasm among grassroots voters and keep attention focused on GOP candidates.
"When Trump voters show up to the polls, Republicans win," Pennsylvania Republican strategist Vince Galko told the Examiner.
Democrats, meanwhile, have chosen not to hold a comparable midterm convention, saying they prefer to direct resources toward campaign operations.
Republicans argue that Trump's ability to draw crowds and dominate media coverage gives the GOP a significant advantage as Election Day approaches.