GOP Urges Trump to Move Past 2020 Election Grievances

Republicans worry revisiting voter fraud claims could distract from key economic issues ahead of midterms.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:40am

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As the 2026 midterm elections approach, there is a growing view within the Republican Party that former President Trump should move on from his grievances about the 2020 election and instead focus on economic issues that matter most to voters. Some GOP strategists and officials fear that continued efforts to investigate alleged voter fraud could distract from the party's messaging on the economy and other key concerns.

Why it matters

The Republican Party faces a challenging midterm landscape, and there are concerns that Trump's fixation on the 2020 election could hamper the party's ability to effectively campaign on the issues that voters care about most, such as the cost of living and the state of the economy.

The details

In recent weeks, Trump has renewed his efforts to investigate the 2020 election, including by subpoenaing records from Maricopa County in Arizona and suggesting that Republicans should make passing the SAVE America Act, which would impose stricter voting requirements, their 'No. 1 priority.' However, some Republican leaders, such as Pennsylvania-based GOP strategist Charlie Gerow, believe the party would be better served by focusing on 'the recovery of the economy and all the good things the Republican administration and Congress are doing to move the economy forward.' Similarly, Todd Gillman, the chair of the Monroe County Republican Party in Michigan, said the party should 'Focus on the things that matter to everybody throughout the whole country, or we're going to have a problem in a few months.'

  • In recent weeks, Trump has turned his sights on Maricopa County — Arizona's largest county — subpoenaing records just weeks after the FBI raided an elections office outside Atlanta.

The players

Charlie Gerow

A Pennsylvania-based GOP strategist and Trump convention delegate who hosted a meeting of fake electors in 2020 at his Harrisburg-based public affairs firm.

Todd Gillman

The chair of the Monroe County Republican Party in Michigan.

Bruce Parks

The chair of the Washoe County, Nevada, GOP, who said he would 'absolutely' welcome a probe into his county and Clark County, the two largest in the state.

Jim Runestad

The chair of the Michigan Republican Party, who suggested a review of records in Detroit, long a focal point of Trump's 2020 election conspiracies.

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What they’re saying

“I'm always one to believe you should look forward, not backward. It would be better if the midterms focused on the recovery of the economy and all the good things the Republican administration and Congress are doing to move the economy forward.”

— Charlie Gerow, Pennsylvania-based GOP strategist and Trump convention delegate (Politico)

“Focus on the things that matter to everybody throughout the whole country, or we're going to have a problem in a few months.”

— Todd Gillman, Chair of the Monroe County Republican Party in Michigan (Politico)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.