Three prominent progressive lawmakers widely viewed as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination are scheduled to join a high-profile political gathering in Denver just over a week after the midterm elections. Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, along with Rep. Ro Khanna of California, are the latest additions to the roster for the upcoming “What’s Next” summit.
The three legislators bring distinct national profiles and recent political activity to the table. Booker previously mounted a campaign for the 2020 presidential nomination before stepping aside ahead of the initial primary contests. Khanna has openly characterized himself as a long-shot candidate for 2028, while Van Hollen has acknowledged that he is actively exploring the prospect of a presidential bid. All three have recently introduced legislative tax plans that political observers view as potential precursors to future national platforms.
Scheduled to run from November 12 to 14, the conference is being organized and hosted by Majority Democrats, a political organization established last year primarily by moderate elected officials and high-profile figures who state an objective of reshaping and expanding the party. Rep. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts chairs the group, which aims to translate lessons learned from the midterm contests directly into preparations for the next presidential cycle by convening leading voices representing various ideological factions within the party.
“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,” said Matt Corridoni, a spokesperson for Majority Democrats. “What’s Next is an opportunity for Democrats from every wing of the party to have the open and often difficult conversations we need to win in 2028.”
The newly announced lawmakers join an already expansive initial lineup of potential 2028 contenders. That roster includes former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sens. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, and Chris Murphy of Connecticut. Also planning to participate are Govs. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, alongside numerous other members of Congress and seasoned political strategists.
Party leaders are looking toward the midterm elections as a crucial opportunity to secure control of the House of Representatives and maintain momentum heading into the presidential race. Following the loss of the White House in 2024, many party members have expressed concern that Democrats have yet to solidify a clear political identity, with moderate and progressive factions continuing to debate the party’s core direction. Public polling has reflected these internal struggles; a February poll characterized the Democratic Party as weak in the view of most voters.
As the earliest campaigns for the 2028 race could begin taking shape in the coming months, several potential candidates have already worked to elevate their national profiles along the midterm campaign trail. High-profile figures have traveled to pivotal states to support local nominees, including visits to Michigan by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to New Hampshire to campaign alongside Rep. Chris Pappas, who is engaged in a competitive Senate race.
Organizers selected Denver for the inaugural summit in part because the city is under active consideration to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Event planners anticipate an attendance of more than 2,000 people for the multi-day gathering.
“Winning in 2028 will require us coming together to take the best ideas from every corner of the Democratic Party and forging them into an agenda that can build a durable majority and deliver for the American people,” said Rohan Patel, executive director of Majority Democrats.
