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DENVER — Democrats are already making their case for 2028.
Fresh off sweeping midterm victories, party leaders and rising stars descended on Denver for the “What’s Next” conference. Several potential presidential contenders tested their 2028 messaging before a crowd of activists, strategists and operatives.
The conversations offered an early look at who may be considering a run and who is already stepping aside.
Less than 24 hours after announcing a challenge to longtime Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told reporters he was “no longer pursuing” a presidential bid.
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“I believe that the size and scale of these majorities, provides an opportunity for the United States Senate to answer the call of the American people,” Van Hollen told reporters in Denver, as he pointed what will be at least a 55-seat Democratic majority in the chamber.
Van Hollen’s comments came as Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., weighed whether to make another run for the White House in 2028.
‘A lot of hard thought’
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is among the Democratic figures drawing attention as the party begins looking toward 2028. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News Digital)
Booker said he is giving “a lot of hard thought” to a potential 2028 presidential campaign, though he said his focus now is pushing for what he called an “American renewal.”
“My purpose right now, I want to see America in the next five years have the biggest renewal, the biggest resetting of the economic table so it works for all Americans,” Booker told Fox News Digital.
He pointed to the cost of housing, healthcare and childcare as evidence that many Americans are struggling to get ahead. “The gap I’m concerned about is not the gap between left and right anymore, it’s a gap between the American people and the American dream, and I want to see that gap close,” he said.
Asked what he might do differently if he ran again after his unsuccessful 2020 campaign, Booker said candidates should be “their authentic self.” He also warned that political divisions are pulling the country apart, saying, “We are not each other’s enemies. We are our fellow patriots. And we all need to start pulling in the same direction.”
‘Won’t have any news to make about that any time soon’
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, said he would have no news about a potential 2028 bid “anytime soon.” (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News Digital)
While Van Hollen ruled out a presidential bid, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a 2020 Democratic candidate, told reporters in Denver he would not have “any news to make about that anytime soon.”
Even so, Buttigieg has not ruled out another run.
‘We’ll let you know’
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a potential 2028 contender, said he wants to be “a loud voice” in shaping the Democratic Party’s future during the “What’s Next” conference in Denver, Colorado on Nov. 13, 2026. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News Digital)
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, fresh off of major victories in his home state, said, “I’ve decided to be a loud voice in this process that we’re going through right now as a party to put ourselves in the best position to compete.”
When asked about his 2028 timeline, Shapiro said “that would be a personal decision my wife and my kids and I make.”
“When we’re ready to say something, we’ll let you know,” he added.
‘I haven’t made any decisions’
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., told reporters in Denver she is seriously considering a 2028 presidential run during the ‘What’s Next’ conference on Nov. 13, 2026. (Jessica Sonkin/Fox News)
Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan told reporters that she was “seriously” considering a 2028 presidential run.
“I haven’t made any decisions. Whether it’s me or somebody else, I just want to be a part of that next generation of leaders going forward that does things differently and understands who they serve,” she added.
Pointing to a new crop of Democrats elected in the midterms, Slotkin said “we had an amazing election night that elected a whole bunch of new folks who represent that.”
‘I have to figure out how to still be a good dad and run for office’
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said his young family will weigh heavily in his decision on whether to run for president in 2028. Gallego spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the “What’s Next” conference in Denver. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News Digital)
Meanwhile, Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona said his young family will be a major consideration in his decision.
“I have three kids, nine, three and a one-year-old. You know, it’s hard to manage that schedule and I have to figure out how to still be a good dad and run for office,” he said.
“If I run I’ll probably be the only one that has kids that age that doesn’t necessarily come from a lot of money. So I’m going to have to figure all that out,” he added.
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Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who has not said whether he will seek the 2028 nomination, used his speech at “What’s Next” to argue Democrats can build a winning coalition across the country.
“In America, all things are possible,” he said, pointing to Democratic victories from New Hampshire to Mississippi.
‘We’ve got a very talented field … even if I do run’
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he is “certainly considering” a 2028 presidential run while speaking at the “What’s Next” conference in Denver on Nov. 13, 2026. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News Digital)
California Rep. Ro Khanna said he is “certainly considering” a 2028 presidential run but has not made a decision.
Khanna, one of the few leaders on the progressive left attending a conference organized by a centrist Democratic group, added “I think after the reception here, I’m, more likely to consider it. I mean, but I’m going around the country seeing whether the message will resonate.”
Asked about his timetable, Khanna told Fox News Digital, “I think starting next year people will be running.”
“Imagine this, we’ve had three 80-year-old presidents in a row and suddenly you’re going to have a new generation on both sides. I think that’s fantastic for this country,” he said. “I’m excited about some of the people if I do run who would be competitors. It’s going to be great. It’s going to showcase America’s talent.”
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With no clear frontrunner in sight, the Denver conference offered an early look at Democrats testing their messages and weighing whether to seek the party’s nomination.