Democratic leaders and rising stars convened in Denver for the "What’s Next" conference, a two-day event focused on charting the party’s path forward following strong midterm election results. The gathering, hosted by the group Majority Democrats, brought together lawmakers, strategists, and potential presidential contenders to discuss priorities and rebuild trust with voters.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is considering a 2028 presidential bid, while Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced he is no longer pursuing the presidency, according to remarks made at the conference. Booker, who ran unsuccessfully in 2020, told reporters he is giving "a lot of hard thought" to another campaign, emphasizing his focus on addressing economic challenges such as housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. "The gap I’m concerned about is not the gap between left and right anymore," he said. "It’s a gap between the American people and the American dream."
Van Hollen, who had recently challenged Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, confirmed he would not seek the presidency, citing the party’s strengthened Senate majority as a reason to prioritize legislative work. "I believe that the size and scale of these majorities provides an opportunity for the United States Senate to answer the call of the American people," he stated.
Rebuilding Trust and Party Strategy
Speakers at the conference underscored the need for Democrats to earn back voter trust, particularly in regions where the party has struggled in recent years. Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a party recruitment co-chair, noted that while Democrats outperformed expectations in the midterms, the message should not be misinterpreted as broad voter embrace of the party. "It took us decades to dig ourselves in a hole and to push people away from us, and it's going to take us more than one cycle to earn that trust," he said.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton criticized the party for underinvesting in the South and rural communities, particularly among Black voters. "When we say that Black voters are the base of our party, then I ask why are we not investing in a region of the country that on Tuesday night just proved everybody wrong of what is possible?" she said, drawing applause.
Potential 2028 Contenders and Party Priorities
The conference served as an early forum for potential presidential hopefuls to test messaging and gauge support. Booker’s deliberations reflect ongoing discussions within the party about its future direction, while Van Hollen’s decision to step aside highlights the shifting dynamics of leadership and ambition. Other attendees included rising stars like incoming Iowa Gov. Rob Sand and Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico, as well as strategists and operatives shaping the party’s long-term strategy.
Sessions at the event, such as "What Voters Want" and "What Needs To Change," focused on aligning party priorities with voter expectations. The emphasis on trust-building and targeted investment underscores Democrats’ efforts to consolidate gains from the midterms and prepare for the 2024 elections and beyond.