While former President Trump won't be on the ballot in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, his presence will undoubtedly be felt. RNC Chair Michael Whatley, in a recent discussion, highlighted the significant role Trump is expected to play in bolstering GOP candidates.
Following Republican successes in the latest election cycle, including Trump's presidential victory and the GOP's retention of both the Senate and House, Whatley stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum. He emphasized the need to strengthen state parties, grassroots efforts, and election integrity measures to support candidates throughout the 2026 primaries and beyond.
Acknowledging the historical trend of setbacks for the incumbent party during midterm elections, Whatley underscored Trump's continued importance, even without his direct candidacy. He emphasized the need to maintain control of both legislative chambers to support Trump's agenda throughout his term. Whatley predicted Trump's active involvement in campaigning for Republican candidates, emphasizing the alignment of the party's platform with Trump's own.
Despite being outraised by their Democratic counterparts in the previous election cycle, Whatley expressed confidence in the Republicans' fundraising prospects, particularly with their control of the White House. He plans to emphasize the party's success in electing Trump and the need to continue supporting his agenda through congressional majorities.
Addressing questions regarding the RNC's ground game, Whatley highlighted their focus on low-propensity voters, a strategy they believe proved effective and intend to continue. He also noted their outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities, such as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, young, and women voters, contributing to significant shifts in support for Trump compared to previous elections.
Following Trump's request for Whatley to remain as RNC chair, Whatley affirmed the RNC's commitment to neutrality in future presidential primaries, expressing enthusiasm for the existing pool of potential Republican candidates. He described Trump as the "tip of the spear" of the "America First" movement, emphasizing its broader reach and influence on the Republican party's transformation into a working-class party engaging with a wider range of voters.
Regarding the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, Whatley indicated satisfaction with the current structure, contrasting it with the Democratic party's changes in the 2024 cycle. He expressed openness to future discussions while emphasizing current contentment with the existing calendar.
