After a strong performance in the midterm elections, Democratic officials, strategists and possible 2028 presidential candidates are gathering in Denver to discuss the party’s next steps.
The three-day “What’s Next” conference, organized by the independent group Majority Democrats, will bring together a wide range of party figures. Organizers say the election results should be viewed less as an endorsement of Democrats than as a rejection of President Donald Trump.
Among those expected to attend are former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a 2020 presidential candidate; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan; Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico; New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill; Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger; Rep. Ro Khanna of California; and former Obama adviser David Axelrod.
Democrats are preparing to take control of Congress in January and are looking for ways to follow through on campaign promises, including lowering costs and improving access to health care. The gathering is intended to review the 2026 results and consider which leaders and ideas might shape the party through 2028 and beyond.
The conference was planned before Democrats’ sweeping midterm wins, which included major gains in traditionally Republican states such as Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. Now the party faces the task of turning those gains into an agenda that appeals beyond its most energized supporters.
Democratic leaders have promised to reduce costs, improve government services and investigate the Trump administration. But questions remain about how the party can bring its progressive and moderate members together.
The event is not an official Democratic Party gathering. Majority Democrats, led by Rep. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, describes it as an independent discussion about the party’s future.
Lis Smith, a longtime Democratic strategist and senior adviser to the group, said the conference would take a candid look at the party’s recent wins and the challenges ahead as it prepares to control both chambers of Congress.
Smith said the results reflected voters’ rejection of Trump more than a clear endorsement of Democrats. She said the conference would give established figures and newer voices a chance to discuss what worked, what fell short and where the party should go next. She also described the moment as an opportunity to rethink what being a Democrat means.
The high-profile guest list may offer an early look at potential contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination. With no obvious frontrunner, the event gives possible candidates a platform to outline their views. Their nearer-term challenge, though, will be delivering on the commitments that helped Democrats win.
