Democrats convened in Denver for a two-day conference, dubbed "What's Next," to celebrate their midterm wins and chart a course for the future. The event, hosted by Majority Democrats, brought together rising stars, strategists, organizers, lawmakers, and potential presidential contenders. Incoming Gov. Rob Sand of Iowa and Sen.-elect James Talarico of Texas were among the attendees. The conference aimed to help Democrats deliver on their promises to voters.
Colorado Rep. Jason Crow emphasized that Democrats have a long way to go in earning back trust from voters. Despite outperforming expectations in the midterms, Crow noted that it will take time to regain the trust of voters who have been pushed away from the party. He cited the party's decades-long struggle to connect with voters and said that one election cycle will not be enough to reverse this trend.
Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, criticized the party for not investing enough in the South and in Black voters. Clayton argued that the party should focus on regions and communities that have been neglected in the past. He called for increased investment in rural America and communities that have been historically underserved by the party.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg cautioned Democrats against resting on their laurels. He suggested that the party should learn from the current White House's approach, which prioritizes action and long-term planning. Buttigieg emphasized that Democrats should come out strong with a series of bills to address pressing issues like the cost of living.
Presumptive next Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries outlined a robust agenda for the party, including reversing Medicaid cuts, banning congressional stock trading, and establishing a statutory right to abortion. Jeffries' plans also involve overturning the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which removed limits on corporate and union political spending.
Potential presidential contenders, including Buttigieg, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, attended the conference and shared their visions for the party's future. Shapiro emphasized the importance of electing a leader who can deliver on their promises and get things done. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who had previously considered a White House bid, announced that he is no longer in the running.
The conference also sparked debate about whether and how Democrats should work with the Trump administration to achieve meaningful change. Some attendees, like Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Talarico, expressed willingness to collaborate with Trump, while others, like New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, sounded a note of caution, describing Trump as a bad-faith actor.
Key points
- Democrats prioritize earning back voter trust after midterm wins.
