Democrats gather in California feeling sunny once again

Warm Vibes and Lingering Shadows: The DNC’s Winter Meeting in Los Angeles

This week, as Democratic Party leaders convened in Los Angeles for their annual winter meetings, they experienced an uncharacteristic warmth in the air. After a streak of impressive double-digit victories in recent off-year elections, optimism flowed through the hotel ballrooms like a fine wine at a lavish banquet.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) members eagerly sought selfies with California Governor Gavin Newsom—a potential presidential contender—while major donors emerged from their metaphorical caves, perhaps having just finished hibernating. Celebrities such as Conan O’Brien, Jane Fonda, and Shonda Rhimes rubbed shoulders with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at a high-profile donor gathering, as revealed in an invitation obtained by POLITICO. Intriguingly, officials from Nebraska and Utah expressed interest in hosting the party’s innovative midterm mini-convention next year, hinting at a renewed enthusiasm for party engagement.

“The party, broadly, is just feeling like they got their sea legs back,” Newsom remarked to reporters, adding, “And winning—well, winning solves a lot of problems.”

DNC Chair Ken Martin echoed this sentiment, noting a palpable vibe shift in the room: “I can tell you, it’s a much different feel in this room than a few months ago,” he stated with a hint of relief.

Challenges Lurking Beneath the Surface

However, amidst the buoyant atmosphere at the DNC’s winter meeting, challenges loom large. The committee’s financial health resembles a fragile glass sculpture—beautiful but precarious—lagging behind their Republican counterparts. The DNC has yet to unveil its comprehensive 2024 autopsy, as internal debates continue over the reasons behind last year’s dismal performance. A brewing proxy battle over the presidential primary calendar also threatens to distract from the party’s newfound joy, as various states lobby for attention on the sidelines.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris received a warm welcome when she addressed the gathering on Friday night. Yet, her return to the national spotlight—coming on the heels of a controversial book release—served as a stark reminder of the party’s fractured response to the sweeping losses of 2024, where Donald Trump secured victory in every swing state on his way to the presidency.

Harris provided a sobering reality check, delivering her most comprehensive critique of the nation’s political landscape yet. “We must be honest that for so many, the American dream has become more of a myth than reality,” she stated, casting a shadow on the otherwise upbeat proceedings.

Financial Headwinds and the Quest for Answers

Financial woes remain a pressing concern for the DNC. In October, the committee took out a $15 million loan, framing it as an investment into the New Jersey and Virginia elections—territories where Democrats ultimately triumphed. While not entirely unusual, this loan was taken out earlier in the cycle than typically seen, raising eyebrows. The stark contrast between the DNC’s financial state and the Republican National Committee’s robust $88 million cash advantage—factoring in debt—paints a concerning picture for the Democrats, as indicated by November’s Federal Elections Commission filings.

Moreover, some party members are still seeking clarity on the committee’s self-assessment of the 2024 debacle. The DNC has yet to release its anticipated post-election report, previously postponed until after last November’s elections. So far, only preliminary findings have been shared with top Democrats, which criticized the party for failing to allocate resources timely and neglected to address former President Joe Biden’s age. Yet, a push for deeper introspection prevails among some DNC members.

“It’s very hard for an organization to self-criticize, so you need to keep the pressure up to make them do it,” stated Eric Croft, chair of the Alaska Democratic Party. “They said they’d do it. We’re going to make sure that they do.”

Bright Spots Amidst Turbulence

Despite these hurdles, Democrats are buoyed by their recent victories in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, alongside a series of other off-year and special elections where their candidates outperformed expectations from the 2024 margins. They even managed to thwart the GOP’s supermajority in the Mississippi state senate. Public polling indicates a favorable shift in momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.

DNC members believe this electoral momentum will translate into enhanced fundraising capabilities. “People are ready to open their wallets now that they’ve realized what they’ve voted for,” noted Manny Crespin, Jr., a committee member from New Mexico. “Now that they’ve realized it’s actually affecting their pocketbook, they’re going to do everything they can to reverse that.”

The Intricacies of the 2028 Primary Calendar

Looking ahead, the DNC faces a significant decision regarding the 2028 presidential primary calendar, which will be determined by the often-overlooked but influential Rules and Bylaws Committee. States have until January 16 to apply for the coveted early window, and the behind-the-scenes maneuvering for favorable positioning is already in motion, according to several DNC members.

“All of the early states are trying to lay their groundwork to get the committee to back them,” remarked a Democratic operative who attended the DNC meeting. “There’s a bit of a proxy war brewing on this.”

As the DNC navigates these complex dynamics, the warmth of their recent successes may be just the infusion they need to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Indeed, in politics, as in life, a little optimism can go a long way—provided it’s paired with a healthy dose of realism.