Democrats Gather in Denver for What's Next Conference
Party leaders and strategists meet for a two-day conference hosted by the new group Majority Democrats after strong midterm results.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Political Parties
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Democratic officials and strategists will convene in Denver for a two-day What's Next conference, following the party's best electoral performance in half a century in the midterms. Democrats hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and control at least 12 new state legislative chambers.
Why it matters
The gathering comes as Democrats must decide how to use their congressional majorities and expanded state legislative control. The conference is organized by Majority Democrats, a group that seeks to bridge traditional left-center splits within the party.
Democrats gained control of at least 12 new state legislative chambers and hold majorities in both congressional chambers. The source does not detail the specific policy agenda the party will pursue.
The players
Majority Democrats
A new group hosting the What's Next conference that positions itself as the voice of a new generation of Democratic party leaders.
Josh Shapiro
The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, scheduled to speak at the conference.
Cory Booker
A Democratic senator from New Jersey, scheduled to speak at the conference.
Pete Buttigieg
A former U.S. Transportation Secretary, scheduled to speak at the conference.
The details
Speakers on the schedule include Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico, Iowa Sen.-elect Josh Turek, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston will kick off the festivities Thursday, and the speaker list skews noticeably young.
Timeline
2008: Denver last hosted a Democratic National Convention.
Thursday: Conference kicks off with remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.
2028: Party convention for which Denver is competing.
Political Context
Denver last hosted a Democratic National Convention in 2008, and the city is now competing for the party's 2028 convention. The city is selling itself as a modern example of a purple state turning solid blue.
Democratic control of Congress and expanded state legislative majorities will shape the legislation considered in the coming years. The source does not specify which policies will move first.
The takeaway
Leadership contests and convention bids are often the first signals of a party's direction, so the speaker list and host city choices offer early clues about where Democrats are headed.
Further reading
For broader context on the party's organizing efforts, see Political Parties.
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