Colorado Politics: Democrats Target 2028
Party leaders gather in Denver to replicate the state's recent electoral gains nationally ahead of the next presidential cycle.
By Alina Marshall ·
Colorado voters flipped three congressional districts from red to blue in the November midterms, leaving just one Republican in the state's federal delegation.
That shift serves as the central metric for Democratic strategists who gathered in Denver this week to plan for the 2028 presidential election. The group, Majority Democrats, held a two day summit at the Mission Ballroom that brought together hundreds of newly elected officials and party leaders.
The organization selected Colorado as the venue because the state moved from a reliably red voting base to a blue one over two decades. They attributed this change to long term investment in local institutions and coalition building rather than short term campaign tactics.
The state's recent results include supermajorities in both the state House and Senate, a first for Colorado. The state also elected Democratic governors and senators in the federal race, cementing its position as a key Democratic stronghold.
Data scientist David Shor told attendees that the national midterm results represent the strongest Democratic performance since the Watergate era. He noted, however, that the victory reflects a rejection of the Republican party more than an embrace of the Democrats. Many voters who cast ballots for Democratic candidates still express distrust in the party's ability to implement change.
Speakers at the summit focused on changing that perception. Iowa Governor elect Rob Sand said the party must move beyond rhetoric to show tangible results. He argued that politicians need to listen to constituents and answer their questions to rebuild trust.
The event also serves as a preview for the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Denver is one of three finalist cities under consideration to host that gathering. Several potential presidential candidates, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Senators Ruben Gallego, Raphael Warnock, and Elissa Slotkin, attended the summit.
The summit concluded on Friday with policy discussions on artificial intelligence and affordability. The sessions emphasized the need to manage a diverse coalition and present a unified vision for the future.
