Democratic leaders and rising political figures convened in Denver on November 12 for the “What’s Next” conference, a two-day gathering organized by Majority Democrats. The event served as both a celebration of the party’s recent electoral performance and a strategic planning session for the path forward.
The conference brought together an array of party figures, including newly elected officials such as Iowa Gov.-elect Rob Sand and Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico, alongside established lawmakers, strategists, and potential 2028 presidential candidates. Sessions covered topics including voter priorities and necessary party reforms. A consistent theme throughout the gathering was the need for Democrats to rebuild trust with voters, particularly in regions and communities that have been neglected by the party in recent years.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton called on the party to increase investment in Southern states and rural areas, noting that Black voters and rural communities deserve more sustained attention from Democratic leadership. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned against complacency, emphasizing that Democrats must determine whether recent gains represent lasting political change or merely temporary electoral swings. Incoming House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries outlined an ambitious agenda including Medicaid protection, abortion rights legislation, and campaign finance reform.
A significant portion of the conference focused on a divisive question: whether Democrats should cooperate with the Trump administration to achieve policy goals. Some attendees, including Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Texas Sen.-elect Talarico, expressed openness to working with the president to deliver tangible results for constituents. Others, such as New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, expressed skepticism about the president’s reliability as a negotiating partner, advocating instead for Democrats to present their agenda and require presidential agreement before proceeding.
The gathering also featured several potential 2028 presidential contenders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, and California Rep. Ro Khanna, though none made formal campaign announcements.
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