Mayor Melton Invited to Majority Democrats’ “What’s Next” Conference in Denver Featuring 2028 Presidential Hopefuls

GARY, IN (November 12, 2026) — Gary Mayor Eddie D. Melton has been selected to attend Majority Democrats’ invitation-only “What’s Next” National Leadership Convening, November 12–13 in Denver, Colorado. The gathering will bring together approximately 3,000 Democratic leaders, elected officials, and potential 2028 presidential candidates to discuss the nation’s political and economic future.

The convening is expected to feature prominent national figures, including U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, Texas Senator-elect James Talarico, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Potential 2028 presidential contenders, including Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker, are also expected to attend.

As an invited municipal leader, Mayor Melton will represent Gary by highlighting the city’s economic recovery and revitalization while engaging leaders on strategies to strengthen America’s cities. His participation will focus on sharing Gary’s comeback story, exchanging best practices, and building strategic relationships that can help attract investment, expand economic opportunity, and accelerate the city’s progress.

“Gary is no longer waiting for opportunity. We’re creating it,” said Mayor Melton. “This invitation is an opportunity to bring Gary’s comeback story to a national spotlight, learn from leaders across the country, and build relationships that can translate into meaningful results for our residents.”

Since taking office in 2024, Melton’s administration has advanced nearly $4 billion in proposed and ongoing economic development projects, supported investments projected to create approximately 2,300 jobs, and made significant strides in public safety, infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood revitalization.

Mayor Melton will also highlight a national, nonpartisan summit he is hosting in Gary in March 2027 under the theme “People. Policy. Power.” The summit will convene leaders from across the country to examine how public policy, civic leadership, and strategic partnerships can address the challenges facing American cities while creating new pathways to economic opportunity.

The Denver convening offers Melton an opportunity to strengthen national partnerships, identify innovative approaches, and bring new ideas and resources back to Gary as the city builds on its momentum toward 2027, 2028, and beyond.

“We’re not going to Denver simply to tell Gary’s story. We’re going to build relationships, exchange ideas, and pursue opportunities that deliver real results for our residents,” Melton added. “Gary’s comeback is part of a larger American comeback story, and we’re just getting started.”

The gathering comes at a significant moment for the Democratic Party as national leaders assess the 2026 midterm elections and begin shaping priorities for 2028 and beyond. Denver itself is among three finalist cities competing to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.

A former Indiana State Senator and former Deputy Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party, Melton’s participation underscores the growing national attention surrounding Gary’s revitalization and the importance of ensuring that legacy industrial cities have a voice in shaping America’s economic future.