Trump will be ‘very active on the campaign trail’ in 2026 midterms, Republican Party chair predicts
As President-elect Trump embarks on his second term in the White House, his role as a candidate is coming to an end. However, Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley believes that Trump will still play a significant role in supporting GOP candidates in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital at the RNC headquarters in Washington, D.C., Whatley stressed the importance of Trump’s involvement in the party’s efforts to maintain control of the House and Senate. “President Trump is going to be a very significant part of this because at the end of the day, what we need to do is hold on to the House, hold on to the Senate so that we can finish his term and his agenda,” Whatley emphasized.
Despite major victories in the recent elections, including Trump reclaiming the White House and Republicans gaining control of the Senate, the party in power typically faces challenges in the following midterm elections. With Trump not on the ballot in 2026, Whatley acknowledged the need for a strong ground game and election integrity apparatus to support GOP candidates.
Whatley expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to rally support for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterms. He stated, “Donald Trump will be very active on the campaign trail for Republicans. And his agenda is the agenda that we’re going to be running on.”
In terms of fundraising, Whatley noted that the RNC and Trump campaign were outpaced by the Harris campaign and the Democratic National Committee in the previous cycle. However, with Republicans soon to control the White House, Whatley believes the party will be more competitive in fundraising for the midterms. He emphasized the importance of carrying forward Trump’s agenda by maintaining majorities in the House and Senate.
Regarding outreach efforts, Whatley highlighted the party’s focus on engaging low propensity voters and traditionally underserved communities such as Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters. He credited these efforts with driving significant shifts in support for Trump in the 2024 elections.
Looking ahead, Whatley underscored the importance of continuing to engage with all American voters, including young voters and women. He emphasized the significance of a strong ground game and outreach programs in securing Republican victories in the midterms.
Whatley’s interview comes on the heels of Trump’s request for him to continue as RNC chair. Having been appointed by Trump in March, Whatley is a staunch ally of the former president and a key supporter of his election integrity initiatives. With his experience as RNC general counsel and chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, Whatley is poised to lead the party in its efforts to secure victories in the 2026 midterm elections.
