ICYMI: DNC Brings Largest-Ever Campaign Training Program to Chicago Ahead of Midterm Elections
With a focus on the Midwest, the DNC’s NextWave Regional Bootcamp convened more than 100 campaign leaders and staff from 13 states at IBEW Local 134 for three days of intensive training ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Last week, the DNC turned its focus to the Midwest while convening more than 100 current and future campaign staffers from 13 states in Chicago for its three-day NextWave Regional Bootcamp. This hands-on training at IBEW Local 134 included 25 workshops, expert-led seminars, guest speakers, and breakout sessions that equipped campaign staff with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to help Democrats win elections up and down the ballot during the 2026 midterms and beyond.
Backed by a seven-figure investment, NextWave is the DNC’s largest-ever campaign training program that convenes new and current staffers for three days of intensive trainings while building a talent pipeline of the next generation of organizers and staff. The Chicago meeting came after the DNC successfully trained hundreds of campaign staffers at three previous bootcamps in the South, West, and East.
The DNC is laser-focused on building the strongest campaign operations possible by powering the people who will deliver Democratic victories across the map. Through key investments such as NextWave Regional Bootcamps, the Battleground Leadership Project, and BlueMatch, the DNC is building the strong Democratic infrastructure needed to bring home wins not just in 2026, but for election cycles to come.
Take a look at some of the coverage below:
On Broadcast:
CBS 2 Chicago: “The Democratic National Committee is bringing its campaign training program to Chicago in just a couple of weeks. According to Politico Playbook, the DNC is hosting its Midwest NextWave Regional Bootcamp from the 26th to the 28th. There is training on organizing, fundraising, voter registration, and communications. DNC officials say the hope is to develop campaign talent across the country, with the program having already trained staffers in North Carolina, Arizona, = and Pennsylvania. The push to train staff comes as democrats look to flip both the House and Senate in November’s midterm elections.”
In Print:
Politico’s Illinois Playbook: DNC plans a Chicago bootcamp
[Shia Kapos, 8/12/26]
“Chicago bound: The DNC will hold its Midwest NextWave Regional Bootcamp from Aug. 26-28, bringing aspiring and current Democratic campaign staffers from across the region together for three days of training in organizing, voter registration, fundraising, data and communications. The program will offer instruction tailored to participants’ experience levels, along with hands-on workshops and opportunities to connect with campaign professionals and state Democratic parties, according to the DNC.
“It’s part of a seven-figure investment by the DNC to develop campaign talent across the country. The NextWave program has already trained Democratic staffers in North Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania, among other states, according to DNC spokesperson Daniela Campos López. …
“Focusing on training: ‘As Donald Trump and Republicans continue to raise costs, cut healthcare, drive us into endless wars, and undermine Americans’ freedoms, Democrats are building the strongest campaign operation in the country by investing in the people who will power victories up and down the ballot,’ Martin said in a statement. ‘After successful trainings in the South, East, and West, we are excited to bring this proven program to the Midwest and continue preparing the next generation of organizers and campaign staff to win in 2026 and beyond.’”
On Socials:
DNC Chair Ken Martin on X: We’re so excited to bring the DNC’s NextWave Regional Bootcamp to Chicago!
To gear up for the midterms, we’re hosting trainings on organizing, fundraising, voter registration, and communications for current and aspiring campaign staffers.
DNC Chair Ken Martin on X: Leading up to the midterms, the DNC has traveled across the country to train aspiring and current campaign staffers so they can win competitive races.
Our upcoming NextWave Regional Bootcamp will help us win up and down the ballot in the Midwest this November and beyond.
Shia Kapos on X: The @TheDemocrats are bringing the Midwest NextWave Regional Bootcamp to Chicago Wednesday thru Friday, drawing Democratic organizers, activists and party leaders from across the region for training and strategy sessions ahead of November. Featured speakers: Assn of State Dem Committees Pres. @janekleeb, IL Dem’ @ChairHernandez, state @senatorcastro and Dem comptroller candidate Margaret Croke.
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