Denver Summit Unites 2028 Democratic Contenders Amid Midterm Tensions
Three new progressive lawmakers join a Denver summit for potential 2028 presidential candidates, aiming to unify party factions after a divisive midterm cycle.
Key points
- Sens. Cory Booker and Chris Van Hollen, plus Rep. Ro Khanna, have joined the 'What's Next' summit in Denver, scheduled for November 12-14.
- The event, hosted by Majority Democrats, seeks to bridge moderate and progressive divides following the 2026 midterm elections.
- Attendees include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sens. Raphael Warnock, Ruben Gallego, and Chris Murphy, along with governors Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill.
- Denver was selected as the venue because it is a finalist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, alongside Boston and Philadelphia.
- Organizers aim to forge a unified agenda to win the 2028 presidency, addressing internal party disagreements on political direction.
Background
The 2026 midterm elections have highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with many voters perceiving the party as weak. Recent efforts to unify the party, such as Kamala Harris's campaign stops in Michigan, have faced resistance from local nominees. Meanwhile, figures like Gov. JB Pritzker have launched new political action committees to support Democratic candidates, signaling early moves toward the 2028 cycle. The party's inability to settle on a clear political identity after losing the White House in 2024 has fueled internal debates over its future direction.
How outlets are covering it
CBS News emphasizes the addition of three progressive lawmakers—Booker, Van Hollen, and Khanna—to the summit, highlighting their national profiles and tax policy proposals as precursors to 2028 platforms. Westword focuses on the broader attendee list, including former Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and Sen. Elissa Slotkin, and notes the strategic choice of Denver as a DNC host city finalist. Both outlets agree on the summit's goal to unify the party but differ in emphasis: CBS highlights the progressive additions, while Westword underscores the diverse lineup and Denver's significance. Neither outlet reports on specific policy disagreements, but both acknowledge the party's internal tensions.
Why it matters
The summit represents a critical step in shaping the Democratic Party's strategy for 2028, as the party seeks to overcome internal divisions and regain voter confidence. The outcome of the 2026 midterms will influence the party's direction, and the summit's discussions could set the stage for a unified presidential campaign. Denver's selection as a venue also signals its potential role as a hub for the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
What to watch
The 'What's Next' summit will take place from November 12 to 14 in Denver, with over 2,000 attendees expected. Following the summit, potential 2028 candidates may begin launching their campaigns, with some using the midterm trail to raise their profiles. The party will also finalize its choice for the 2028 Democratic National Convention host city, with Denver, Boston, and Philadelphia as finalists.
- With early race for 2028 fast approaching, 3 more Democrats slated to join summit to plot out future CBS News
- The Greenwich Billionaire Couple Spending Big to Reinvent the Democratic Party WSJ
- What To Know About Majority Democrats—And The Billionaires Funding The Super PAC Forbes
- These Democrats want to run for president. First, they’re coming to Denver Westword
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