CHICAGO — Two decades after her first experience at a party convention, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan took to the main stage at the United Center on Monday, proudly co-hosting one of the most significant evenings in politics as a newly appointed co-chair of the Democratic National Convention.

Flanagan even allowed her 11-year-old daughter to stay up late to watch her on national television. For the 44-year-old, it was a significant moment of reflection and appreciation for the journey she has made since that first convention.

“It was an incredibly emotional night,” she shared with YSL News.

Flanagan’s rise to national prominence mirrors Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s advancement towards the presidential ticket. If the Harris-Walz ticket is victorious, Flanagan would succeed Walz for the remainder of his term, making her the first female Native American governor in U.S. history.

This year’s convention was anticipated to celebrate Democratic President Joe Biden, who has spent more than fifty years in politics. However, with Biden stepping back for Vice President Kamala Harris to secure the nomination, the festivities this week appear to signify a passing of leadership — honoring a wave of diverse and promising newcomers, such as Flanagan, emerging from the party.

“I am doing this for all of the emerging leaders who are watching me,” Flanagan stated.

While prominent figures like Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders captured the spotlight during this week’s convention in Chicago, attendees expressed equal enthusiasm for the emerging talents poised to ascend to high political offices.

Betsy Wells, a 76-year-old from King’s Mountain, North Carolina, attending her seventh convention, recognizes how impactful a compelling speech can be for a politician’s career.

“When Barack Obama delivered that iconic speech back in 2004, everyone sat up and took notice,” she reminisced. “And I thought, ‘Wow. Just wow.’ Four years later, he was running for president.”

Today, she’s excited to witness newer figures like Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and younger leaders, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, taking center stage at the convention.

“If we don’t foster talented younger individuals, our party will struggle to survive,” she emphasized.

The “veepstakes” that garnered media attention after Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee spotlighted significant players like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly in national discussions.

Yet, even with their presence, there’s another generation of promising leaders that may emerge as contenders by the next presidential primary cycle. If Harris secures her position this November and serves two full terms, this potential change in the political landscape may not arise until 2032, which could significantly alter the profiles of prominent political figures.

“They have laid a strong foundation for us,” Flanagan noted. “Now, our responsibility is to build upon that.”

Convention Highlights Up-and-Coming Leaders — Audiences Eager to Listen

During the first day of the convention, Crockett, the Texas representative, was given a prime speaking slot typically reserved for the event’s most prominent figures.

Crockett, a strong supporter of Harris, made headlines recently for her comments regarding Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s appearance.

“She’s living the American Dream while he’s been America’s nightmare,” Crockett stated to applause during her speech on Monday night.

After the event, Kimberly Eaton, a 62-year-old resident of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, praised Crockett for her potential in the party.

“She is an emerging leader—smart, intelligent, and does not back down,” Eaton expressed. “I have been following Jasmine since I first saw her confront Republicans in committee about a year ago. She is definitely someone to watch.”

Eaton also shared her enthusiasm for the diverse array of speakers throughout the night.

“If you compare the variety of people at this convention to last month’s, it’s completely different. This is a true melting pot,” she noted.

The first night of the convention also featured speakers such as Lt. Govs. Eleni Kounalakis from California, Austin Davis from Pennsylvania, and Sara Rodriguez from Wisconsin, along with Harris County, Texas executive Lina Hidalgo and Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the youngest Democratic state leader and the only Black governor in the U.S., is scheduled to speak later in the week.

However, the label “up-and-comer” is not exclusive to the youth.

Tim Walz, the 60-year-old governor of Minnesota and the newly appointed running mate of Harris, wasn’t very well-known in the party until Harris propelled him into the spotlight. Now, he is seen as a refreshing addition, energizing the party.

Walz made several surprise appearances during Democratic caucus meetings at the convention, earning cheers and applause as he took the stage to inspire attendees.

“This work is challenging and important. There’s a lot on the line,” he addressed the Hispanic Caucus as participants gathered closer to snap pictures and videos. “But that’s similar to what many face in their everyday lives. It can be tough, but with optimism, we can approach it joyfully, just like what (Harris) is embodying.”

Young Democrats Reflect on the Party’s Future

Dan Mallinson, a political science professor at Pennsylvania State University, shared with YSL News that the future of the Democratic party after Biden remains uncertain, but it is likely to skew younger.

“Recent election cycles have been heavily focused on one individual,” he explained. “It’s uncertain what the future composition will be.”

Florida U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost, the first member of Generation Z in Congress, participated in various caucus meetings throughout the convention, while also attending speaking events held at Axios House and the CNN/POLITICO Grill.

As Frost left a morning meeting of the party’s Hispanic Caucus, he was quickly approached by media cameras and enthusiastic delegates eager to meet or take a selfie with him.

Angela Weathers, a resident of Miami, was thrilled to take a photo with Frost, expressing her excitement for the rise of young leaders within the party.

“Seeing bright young individuals interested in the Democratic Party is inspiring,” she stated.

Frost made history in 2023 by becoming the first Gen Z member of the House of Representatives. At just 27 years old, he’s expected to speak at the convention this week, according to Mediaite.

Paul Young, who took office earlier this year as the mayor of Memphis, one of America’s largest cities, also attended the convention and highlighted the wealth of diverse future leaders on display.

He emphasized that younger generations are seeking authenticity in their leaders as they engage with potential candidates.

“This generation has a knack for identifying insincerity, and they expect their politicians to be genuine and transparent,” he remarked. “They prefer communication through various channels, so being authentic matters.”

Engaging on social media has become crucial, as these platforms are filled with individuals eager for energetic change. They are ready to make a difference now, and a gradual approach is no longer appealing to them.

Mallinson emphasized that the party stands at a pivotal moment and that there is a wealth of “great talent” available, which has ample opportunity to develop their political identities for future endeavors.

However, Flanagan mentioned that she isn’t focused on the long-term. After passionately cheering for her favored candidates during the convention’s first night, she found her voice hoarse.

“We can’t be complacent,” she asserted. “This experience is just motivation for the next 77 days ahead.”