Prominent Democrats arrived in Denver on Thursday for the "What's Next" conference, a two-day gathering focused on the party's direction following midterm election victories.

The event, organized by the independent group Majority Democrats and sponsored by MD PAC, runs through Friday at venues including the Mission Ballroom. It draws dozens of elected officials, strategists, and potential 2028 presidential contenders.

Democrats enter the meeting after what observers described as their strongest midterm performance in decades, securing majorities in both chambers of Congress and control of at least a dozen additional state legislative chambers. The conference was originally planned months ago as the party sought to rebound from the 2024 election that returned Donald Trump to the White House.

Speakers and attendees include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sens. Cory Booker and Raphael Warnock, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and other rising figures. Colorado officials such as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Rep. Joe Neguse are also participating. The schedule features panels on campaign lessons, Gen Z outreach, and debates over the party's platform for 2028.

Majority Democrats, led by Rep. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, positions the event as an effort to bridge internal divides between the party's center and left wings. The group highlights Colorado's shift from competitive to solidly Democratic as a potential model for national strategy.

The conference is not an official Democratic National Committee event. Registration closed in advance, with a waitlist in place. Discussions are expected to touch on messaging, organizing, and positioning for the open 2028 presidential field.

Denver is also among the cities under consideration to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.