By — Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrats-gather-in-denver-for-post-midterms-introspection-turned-celebration Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrats gather in Denver for post-midterms introspection-turned-celebration Politics Nov 12, 2026 4:22 PM EST DENVER (AP) — Fresh off the best electoral performance in half a century, Democratic officials and strategists will converge on Denver starting Thursday to plot a further course for the party and revel in their gains. WATCH: 'They want us to fight': Jeffries outlines priorities as Democrats prepare to take power The two-day What's Next conference, hosted by a new group called Majority Democrats, was put on politicos' calendars months ago as another stepping stone as the party charted its way out of its post-2024 political wilderness. Now Democrats will have to figure out what to do with majorities in both chambers of Congress and control of at least 12 new state legislative chambers. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe…
Democrats gather in Denver for post-midterms introspection-turned-celebration
In short
The two-day "What's Next" conference in Denver, hosted by the new organization Majority Democrats, pivoted from an introspective strategy session into a victory celebration following historic midterm gains. In addition to securing congressional majorities, the party gained control of at least 12 new state legislative chambers. The event features prominent figures alongside rising state-level officials and prospective presidential contenders. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is opening the gathering while highlighting the area's transition into a reliable party stronghold to support its 2028 convention bid.
Key points
- The gathering transitioned from an introspective planning meeting into a celebration foll…: The gathering transitioned from an introspective planning meeting into a celebration following the party's best midterm performance in 50 years.
- Majority Democrats organized the conference to bridge left-center ideological divisions a…: Majority Democrats organized the conference to bridge left-center ideological divisions and spotlight younger incoming party leaders.
- High-profile attendees include likely incoming House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries alongside po…: High-profile attendees include likely incoming House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries alongside potential presidential contenders Pete Buttigieg, Cory Booker, and Josh Shapiro.