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Democrats Vie for Spotlight at Munich Security Conference
Potential 2028 presidential contenders, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, try to offer an alternative vision to Trump's MAGA platform.
Feb. 17, 2026 at 12:39pm
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In the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections, several prominent Democrats traveled to the Munich Security Conference to position themselves as potential 2028 presidential candidates. They included California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senators Chris Murphy and Mark Kelly, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ocasio-Cortez, in particular, used the platform to criticize the Democratic Party for championing special interests over working-class voters, and called for policies like a wealth tax and antitrust measures to address rising inequality, which she linked to the rise of authoritarianism.
Why it matters
The 2026 midterm elections will be a crucial test for both President Trump and his Democratic opponents. Democrats will need to offer a compelling alternative vision for America if they hope to take control of Congress. The actions of potential 2028 candidates at the Munich conference suggest the party is grappling with how to craft that message, with progressives like Ocasio-Cortez pushing for a more populist, working-class agenda.
The details
At the Munich conference, several prominent Democrats tried out messages that could appeal to voters ahead of the midterm elections. Governor Gavin Newsom of California told European leaders that the state was a 'stable and reliable partner' on climate change, while Senators Chris Murphy and Mark Kelly sought to reassure allies that the U.S. could 'fix this' relationship under new leadership. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, considered a potential 2028 contender, was particularly outspoken, criticizing the Democratic Party for championing 'special interests' and the 'elite' over working-class voters. She called for policies like a wealth tax and antitrust measures to address rising inequality, which she said was fueling the rise of authoritarianism.
- The 2026 midterm elections in the U.S. will take place in November.
- The Munich Security Conference where these Democrats spoke was held in February 2026.
The players
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
A U.S. Representative from New York who has been considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate and has pushed the Democratic Party to adopt a more progressive, populist agenda.
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California who touted the state's climate leadership at the Munich conference.
Chris Murphy
A U.S. Senator from Connecticut who condemned Trump's alienation of European allies.
Mark Kelly
A U.S. Senator from Arizona who expressed confidence that the U.S. could repair relationships with its European partners under new leadership.
What they’re saying
“I consistently saw a party that championed special interests, the elite. A Democratic Party that was very much kind of telling working people that everything was fine when it in fact wasn't.”
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative
“Extreme levels of income inequality lead to social instability. Politicians need to 'deliver material gains for the working class,' or else we will fall to a more isolated world governed by authoritarians that also do not deliver to working people.”
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative
What’s next
The results of the 2026 midterm elections in the U.S. will be a key indicator of how voters respond to the competing visions presented by Democrats and the Trump administration. The performance of potential 2028 candidates like Ocasio-Cortez in those elections could also shape the future direction of the Democratic Party.
The takeaway
The Democratic Party is grappling with how to craft an alternative vision to Trump's 'Make America Great Again' platform, with progressives like Ocasio-Cortez pushing for a more populist, working-class agenda focused on addressing inequality. The actions of potential 2028 candidates at the Munich conference suggest the party is far from united on the best path forward.
