Democrats' 2028 auditions begin in Denver
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Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post
A who's who of Democratic power players descends on Denver this week to plot the party's future, fresh off its sweeping midterm victories.
Why it matters: The gathering gives Democrats' rising stars an early stage to test their 2028 message, and explore whether Colorado's red-to-deep-blue shift could offer a national playbook.
Driving the news: The three-day "What's Next" conference, starting Thursday, features dozens of Democratic heavyweights and potential presidential contenders, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
- Colorado's own Gov.-elect Phil Weiser, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston round out the lineup.
- Majority Democrats, a group seeking to shape the party's direction, is organizing the event.
The big picture: Colorado's two-decade transformation into a Democratic powerhouse made it a natural host, spokesperson Vidhya Jeyadev told Axios.
- Organizers want to dissect and pinpoint what worked — and what didn't — in the midterms, and how to turn wins into lasting power.
- The gathering comes as Democrats debate whether they should double down on progressive policies or tack toward the center heading into 2028.
Behind the scenes: Johnston, a Majority Democrats member, told Axios in a phone interview he personally lobbied to bring the conference to Denver after organizers began scouting locations about a year ago.
- He'll give opening and closing remarks and expects private meetings with most of the national leaders attending.
- He plans to pitch Denver's approaches to homelessness, housing and public safety as national models.
- He'll also press for more federal money for affordable housing and his universal child care plan.
Between the lines: Colorado Democrats have embraced gun safety, immigration and LGBTQ rights — positions some in the party worry could cost votes elsewhere.
- Johnston argues Colorado proved otherwise: "Leading on those values has made our majority stronger here, not weaker."
What we're watching: Denver is one of three finalists to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, alongside Boston and Philadelphia.
- With a decision expected soon, Johnston sees this week as an audition.
- "We'd love to make the case that the '28 presidential cycle can start in Denver and end in Denver," he said.