Democratic strategists and lawmakers gathered in Denver this week for the What’s Next conference to map out plans for the 2028 election cycle, [CBS Colorado] reported.
The convention brought together party leaders, newly elected officials, and potential presidential candidates following a midterm election where Democrats flipped several traditionally Republican seats to secure majorities in both the House and the Senate. Attendees are now tasked with determining how to manage their legislative power, bridge internal party divides, and engage with congressional Republicans.
Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib told [CBS Colorado] that his state offers a blueprint for winning back voters in conservative regions by focusing on bread-and-butter issues rather than partisan fights.
“I think in Colorado, people are going to find a state that welcomes everyone,” Murib told [CBS Colorado].
“We built around people to buy into a vision of protecting their freedoms and lowering their costs. And that’s something that we’ve been dialed into far before the rest of the country.”
Demonstrators Demand Accountability While Leaders Face Internal Party Challenges
While leaders discussed legislative strategy inside the venue, demonstrators gathered outside to demand accountability on issues including government corruption, the war in Gaza, and immigration enforcement raids.
“We want people that are going to stand up for the people that handed them this election,” Tiffany Weber, the ringleader of Solidarity Warriors, told [CBS Colorado].
At the federal level, internal disagreements over party direction surfaced as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen challenged Sen. Chuck Schumer for the majority leader post, stating that the party needs fresh leadership.
Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District and is pursuing a leadership role himself, acknowledged the voter discontent highlighted during the midterms.
“This election voters spoke in a resounding way,” Neguse told [CBS Colorado]. “I think the voters gave us an opportunity to restore trust and credibility.”
Bidding for the 2028 Convention
Local officials are also positioning Denver as a candidate to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, arguing that the city’s recent political successes make it an ideal backdrop for the national party.
“We have a lot of success here in Denver and in Colorado,” Murib told [CBS Colorado]. “I could think of no better place than Denver, Colorado, to host.”
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