Democrats Gather in Denver to Celebrate Midterm Gains, Eye 2028
DENVER — Democratic officials, strategists, and potential presidential contenders convened this week for the “What’s Next” conference, assessing gains that returned control of the House, added Senate seats, and flipped multiple state legislative chambers and governorships while beginning early positioning for a wide-open 2028 race.
The gathering, organized by Majority Democrats and sponsored by MD PAC, is not an official party event. Speakers and attendees include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sens. Cory Booker and Raphael Warnock, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and recent winners such as Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico.
Organizers framed the meeting as a chance to review what worked in 2026 and set the party’s direction through 2028. A senior adviser to the host group, Lis Smith, told Fox News Digital that the results represented “more a repudiation of Donald Trump than a validation of our party,” underscoring the need for honest conversations about messaging and priorities.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston opened the proceedings. The city is one of three finalists to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. With no clear frontrunner emerging, the conference offered rising figures an early stage to test themes ahead of the next presidential cycle.
