Democrats size up 2028 at Denver conference as potential contenders weigh their plans

Democrats are already making their case for 2028. Fresh off sweeping midterm victories, party leaders and rising stars gathered in Denver for the "What's Next" conference, where several potential presidential contenders tested their 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 Chuck Schumer of New York, Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland told reporters he was "no longer pursuing" a presidential bid.

"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 said, pointing to what will be at least a 55-seat Democratic majority in the chamber.

Van Hollen's comments came as Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey weighed whether to make another run for the White House. Booker said he is giving "a lot of hard thought" to a potential 2028 campaign, though he said his focus now is pushing for what he called an "American renewal." 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 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."

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," though he has not ruled out another run. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, fresh off major victories in his home state, said he had 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." Asked about his 2028 timeline, Shapiro called it "a personal decision my wife and my kids and I make," adding, "When we're ready to say something, we'll let you know."

Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan told reporters she was "seriously" considering a 2028 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 said. 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."

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. He added that if he runs, he would probably be the only candidate with children that age who does not come from a lot of money.

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who has not said whether he will seek the 2028 nomination, used his speech 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.

California Rep. Ro Khanna said he is "certainly considering" a 2028 run but has not made a decision, adding that the reception he received made him more likely to consider it. Khanna, one of the few progressive leaders attending a conference organized by a centrist Democratic group, told Fox News Digital, "I think starting next year people will be running." He added, "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." 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.