Mock Convention
Mock Convention
Beginning in 1908, W&L students have replicated the national convention of the party out of power in the White House every four years, continuing a tradition fueled by rigorous research and non-partisan student leadership. Mock Convention is now a 112-year tradition at W&L, and is the most accurate and realistic mock presidential nominating convention in the nation.
Mock Con is entirely student-run and involves most of the student body, whether they are on the leadership team or are serving as delegates from their state. Students handle a multitude of tasks that include everything from fundraising and managing a $1 million budget to making sure bathrooms at the convention site are clearly marked.
“Mock Convention is a chance for campus-wide unity,” said Mock Con 2020 General Chair Jimmy Fleck ’20. “Politics often divides people, but Mock Con is a chance for our whole community to come together.”
Dive Deeper
Academics
W&L’s 2024 Mock Convention Predicts Donald Trump Will Win Republican Nomination
A student-run academic exercise, Mock Con remains the most accurate political mock convention in the country
Washington and Lee University’s 28th Mock Convention Brings Prominent Speakers to Campus
The student-led convention, held every four years, will bring several notable speakers to W&L on Feb. 9-10.
Special Collections Exhibit Showcases Mock Convention Memories
Washington and Lee University’s Special Collections and Archives has been working with the 2024 Mock Convention to debut an exhibit showcasing extraordinary items from past conventions.
Mock Con’s Presidential Gala Creates Convention Buzz
The 28th Mock Convention’s Presidential Gala on Nov. 12 offered the campus a glimpse of the upcoming excitement for the 2024 mock presidential convention.
Karl Rove to Speak at Mock Convention Auction During Parents and Family Weekend
Rove, former Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, will deliver remarks at the Oct. 5 event. Tickets to the auction in Evans Hall remain available.
Mock Convention’s Spring Kickoff Features Former Vice President
Mock Convention made its Spring Kickoff event an informative preview of upcoming convention conversations.
Mock Convention Presents Spring Kickoff with Mike Pence and Bret Baier
The W&L community event will be held on Tuesday, March 21, at 6 p.m. in W&L’s University Chapel.
Student Organization Spotlight: Mock Convention
Mock Convention is gathering steam as the organization prepares for its Spring Kickoff event on March 21.
Rain or Shine, W&L’s Community Comes Together for Parents and Family Weekend
The annual event brought 1,800 people to campus.
Mock Convention Welcomes Former First Lady and Daughter for Parents and Family Weekend Event
Hosted during Parents and Family Weekend, the Sept. 30 event will kick off the 28th Mock Convention.
Mock Con 2020’s Security Overhaul
Two W&L students dramatically upgraded security preparations for the biggest Mock Con yet.
27th Mock Convention this Weekend at Washington and Lee
W&L’s Mock Con, one of the most ambitious student political research projects in the country, this year aims to predict the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.
“The invaluable lessons I have learned from Mock Con, both in political analysis and leadership, will carry with me into my future endeavors, whatever they may be.”
John Harashinski
Major: American Politics • Minor: Education Policy