Las Vegas Vies to Host GOP Mid-Term Convention

Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald leads bid to bring political convention to Las Vegas for the first time

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nevada may be known for hosting thousands of conventions, but the state has never welcomed a major political convention. Now, Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald is leading a bid to bring the GOP's mid-term convention to Las Vegas, touting the city's unparalleled convention facilities and Trump's ties to the city. However, Dallas is also competing for the event, raising questions about security and logistics that could determine the winning bid.

Why it matters

Hosting a major political convention would be a significant milestone for Las Vegas, which has long been overlooked as a destination for such high-profile events. Securing the convention could provide an economic boost for the city and raise its profile as a premier convention destination, while also giving the Nevada GOP a chance to showcase the state's importance in national politics.

The details

Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald has been trying to bring a political convention to Las Vegas since 2016, arguing that the city's world-class convention facilities and hotels make it an ideal location. However, the U.S. Secret Service's security requirements, which can require venues to go dark for weeks, have posed a challenge. McDonald says a summer date might work better for the logistics. Dallas is also bidding for the convention, with Texas pouring significant resources into its proposal, even though the state is already slated to host the 2028 Republican National Convention. McDonald is counting on President Trump's close ties to Las Vegas, including his hotel co-owned with Phil Ruffin, to help secure the bid.

  • The Republican National Committee is expected to make a decision on the mid-term convention location before its May 2026 meeting.
  • The mid-term convention, designed to boost GOP candidates for House and Senate seats, would take place in 2026, not a presidential nominating convention that happens every four years.

The players

Michael McDonald

The longest-serving chairman of the Nevada Republican Party, McDonald has been leading the effort to bring a political convention to Las Vegas since 2016.

Donald Trump

The former president has close ties to Las Vegas, including a hotel co-owned with Phil Ruffin, and McDonald is counting on Trump's support to help secure the bid for the city.

Phil Ruffin

A friend of former President Trump, Ruffin co-owns a hotel with Trump in Las Vegas.

U.S. Secret Service

The agency responsible for securing political conventions, the Secret Service's requirements for venues to go dark for weeks have posed a challenge for Las Vegas's bid.

Republican National Committee

The governing body of the Republican Party, the RNC will make the decision on the location of the mid-term convention.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“But when you look on paper, there is no better place to do a convention. We're the No. 1 capital of the world for conventions. No one does it like Las Vegas.”

— Michael McDonald, Nevada Republican Party Chairman (ktnv.com)

“This will be a shining point for Las Vegas. It'll help boost the economy; it'll also help boost the promotion of Las Vegas.”

— Michael McDonald, Nevada Republican Party Chairman (ktnv.com)

“President Trump loves Nevada. Loves Las Vegas. I'm lobbying the president every day.”

— Michael McDonald, Nevada Republican Party Chairman (ktnv.com)

What’s next

The Republican National Committee is expected to make a decision on the location of the mid-term convention before its May 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

Securing the GOP's mid-term convention would be a major coup for Las Vegas, which has long been overlooked as a destination for high-profile political events. The bid led by Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald highlights the city's world-class convention facilities and close ties to former President Trump, but logistical challenges around security and venue availability could still determine the winning location.