The long-term success of the Sanders campaign hinges on the extent to which its message turns into conventional wisdom within the Democratic Party. A strong showing by Sanders at the Democratic convention and an impact on the party platform could further that goal. “I think Sanders is right that partys evolve in their thinking on issues and to the extent that particular priorities become institutionalized within the party that does have implications for the way that future candidates are going to act,” said John Sides, an associate professor of political science at George Washington University, in an interview. “The important thing is whether the priorities of the Sanders’s campaign and his supporters become fixtures of the party’s agenda.”

Still, whatever happens at the convention will only amount to one part of the equation. Whether the campaign’s articulated ambitions ultimately turn into law will also depend on the extent to which Sanders’s grassroots army, made up of supporters, allied networks and candidates who attempt to emulate his success, continue to mobilize to carry out his work. If Sanders wants to keep fighting for a more progressive party, he will need to keep his supporters engaged. What they say and do in the coming months will set the tone for what happens this summer as well.

At the same time, there is more risk than ever for Sanders if he alienates his rival Hillary Clinton and her allies. Sanders has felt increasingly empowered to level sharp criticism at Clinton, painting her as an establishment candidate who embodies the problems with the political status quo. But if he continues to make pointed comments, Sanders could come under pressure from Clinton supporters to exit the race, or face accusations that he is stringing along his supporters and acting in bad faith. If Sanders treads carefully, it would likely increase the odds that the Democratic Party will be willing to hear out his demands when it comes time to talk over the party agenda.

Sanders indicated he plans to run “issue-oriented campaigns in the 14 contests to come,” in the statement released by his campaign on Tuesday. It makes sense that Sanders would stick to his core messages of tackling income inequality, taking on the big banks, and reforming campaign finance, as he continues to campaign around the country. Those issues matter to his fans and will likely go a long way toward keeping them engaged. But without the drama that comes with running a highly competitive race, Sanders may need to do more to hold the public’s attention.

It’s impossible to say for sure what Sanders will do next. The candidate indicated to the Associated Press that he would continue to draw contrasts between his candidacy and that of Clinton’s. “Of course,” Sanders said when asked. “I’m getting attacked by Hillary Clinton and her surrogates every damn day.” He added: “A campaign means that you talk about your record, what you believe in, as opposed to your opponent's. That's what Clinton does. Of course we're going to do that.” A key question now is what Sanders has in mind when he says he will continue to draw a contrast. He will surely continue to focus on issues where he and Clinton diverge, but how often and when will he invoke her name, and will he do so in ways that agitate her allies? Sanders has also indicated he won’t encourage his supporters to vote for Clinton anytime soon. He seems intent on not ceding any leverage, and determined to make Clinton work to win over his followers if she becomes the nominee rather than taking their support for granted.