With control of Congress on the line, President Donald Trump and top Republican leaders are intensifying preparations for the 2026 midterm elections, determined to maintain their grip on power in a volatile political climate. Their strategy blends aggressive candidate recruitment in battleground states with a provocative message aimed at energizing the MAGA base: the threat of another impeachment attempt.
While Democratic leadership remains cautious about pursuing a third impeachment of Trump, the topic is gaining traction within Republican circles. Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson have both warned that Democrats, if they regain the House, will attempt to impeach Trump again — a scenario the GOP is eager to weaponize for turnout.
“It’s a key priority for him to keep the House,” Johnson told CNN after a closed-door meeting with Trump. “Democrats have already made it clear they’ll try another baseless impeachment. If they get the chance, they’ll try to grind everything to a halt.”
Historically, midterms tend to hurt the party in power, and Democrats hope to capitalize on economic unease and Trump’s declining approval ratings. With the House narrowly divided and the Senate map challenging, Democrats are eyeing a path back to legislative control.
But Trump is personally invested in breaking that pattern. He’s held private meetings with GOP leaders, including Johnson, and is planning a full campaign blitz — issuing endorsements, attending fundraisers, and rallying supporters in key races, according to multiple Republican strategists.
The Georgia Senate Prize
One of the GOP’s top targets is Georgia, where Republicans are working overtime to recruit term-limited Governor Brian Kemp to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC Chair Tim Scott traveled to Atlanta to pitch Kemp on a run during Easter recess, joined by other influential Republicans like Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Pete Ricketts.
Trump himself reportedly spoke with Kemp during a February governors’ meeting in Washington — a significant gesture considering their tense history after the 2020 election. Though Trump offered no explicit endorsement, his cordial tone and public praise for Kemp marked a dramatic shift and signaled support.
“We’re going to give him every reason to run,” Thune said, describing Kemp as a strong contender in a state crucial to the GOP’s Senate map. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 edge in the Senate, and flipping Georgia could lock down their majority.
If Kemp passes, other Republicans like Rep. Buddy Carter and even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene are eyeing the race. Greene told CNN she hasn’t ruled out a run, adding that “all options are on the table.”
Midterms Messaging and MAGA Discipline
After years of infighting and candidate misfires, Trump’s team appears more focused on recruiting electable candidates, not just loyalists. One GOP strategist described the shift in tone as “pragmatic,” noting that the goal is simple: win.
Still, Democrats believe Trump’s polarizing image will hurt Republicans down-ballot. But GOP leaders say embracing Trump — flaws and all — is their best bet to energize the base. With a narrow map, turnout will be key: Republicans only hold three seats in districts won by Kamala Harris, while Democrats are defending 13 seats in Trump-won districts.
“The Trump coalition is crucial,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the House GOP campaign arm. “We have to turn them out again — and that means putting Trump front and center.”
But not all Republicans are sold. Rep. Don Bacon, one of the few GOP members in a Harris-won district, expressed doubts — and revealed he’s considering retirement.
Democrats Split on Impeachment Talk
Democrats are divided on how aggressively to confront Trump if they retake the House. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said impeachment “should absolutely be on the table,” but party leaders have tamped down speculation.
“This is not something we’re planning,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, the No. 3 House Democrat. Sen. John Fetterman was even more blunt: “That’s just dumb. It’s not going anywhere.”
Still, Sen. Ossoff — one of the most vulnerable Democrats — didn’t shy away from the issue, saying Trump “has already exceeded any prior standard for impeachment.” GOP campaign arms pounced on the remarks within an hour, launching coordinated attacks.
When asked if he feared those comments would backfire in 2026, Ossoff didn’t flinch: “I stand by them 100%. The real concern is that the president appears to be selling access through crypto.”
As for Kemp? Ossoff welcomed the challenge.
“I’m ready for any opponent,” he said. “The pool is open. Let’s see who jumps in.”