Full Breakdown
Progressive Democrats Convene at Denver “What’s Next” Summit Ahead of 2028 Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Who, What, When, Where, How
Nine days after the upcoming midterm elections, three high-profile Democrats—Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and Representative Ro Khanna of California—will join a broader slate of potential 2028 presidential contenders at the “What’s Next” summit in Denver. The three lawmakers, all self-identified progressives, were added to an updated attendee list released to CBS News. The summit, organized by Majority Democrats, a coalition of largely moderate elected officials formed last year, is slated for mid-November and will be chaired by Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts.
Background & Context – Party Identity After 2024 Loss
Democrats entered the 2024 election cycle still defining a post-White-House identity. The party’s loss in 2024 left internal debates between moderate and progressive wings over the direction needed to reclaim a congressional majority and eventually the White House. The summit is intended to bridge those factions, drawing lessons from the 2026 races and shaping a unified platform for the 2028 presidential contest.
Impact and Outlook
A February CBS News poll found most voters described the Democratic Party as “weak,” underscoring the urgency of a cohesive strategy. Organizers anticipate over 2,000 attendees, according to a person familiar with the planning. The summit also serves a logistical purpose: Denver is under consideration as the host city for the 2028 Democratic National Convention, linking the event to broader campaign infrastructure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Democrats have talked a big game about building a 'big tent' that can hold onto a majority. The sad reality is, we were all hat, no cattle when it came time to live up to those ideals,” — Matt Corridoni, a spokesperson for Majority Democrats — Matt Corridoni, spokesperson for Majority Democrats.