The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced on Thursday that Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia have been selected as the final three cities to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 7–10, 2028.
The decision narrows the field from an earlier pool that included Chicago and Atlanta, both of which were eliminated without stated reasoning. Chicago hosted the 2024 Democratic National Convention, while Atlanta last hosted in 1988. The DNC did not provide details on the selection criteria or the rationale for excluding the two cities.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin stated in a press release that the three finalist cities submitted "incredibly strong bids" and that the convention would serve as "an inspiring celebration of our party's future nominee." The DNC’s Convention Committee will now conduct a multi-month review process before making a final selection later this year.
The selection process began in September 2025, when the DNC solicited proposals from interested cities. Site visits to finalist cities, including Atlanta and Chicago, were conducted in April and May 2026, according to an unnamed DNC official. The party has not disclosed the specific factors considered in the evaluation, such as logistical capacity, fundraising potential, or political significance.
Historically, the cities chosen for the Democratic National Convention have reflected strategic and symbolic considerations. Philadelphia last hosted in 2016, when Hillary Clinton was nominated, while Boston hosted in 2004, featuring a keynote address by then-Senator Barack Obama. Denver hosted in 2008, when Obama accepted the Democratic presidential nomination.
The Republican National Committee has already selected Houston as the host city for its 2028 convention, setting up a potential contrast in themes and messaging ahead of the general election. The Democratic convention traditionally serves as a platform to introduce the party’s nominee, energize grassroots supporters, and launch the core general election campaign.
The DNC’s announcement follows a competitive bid process, though the criteria for elimination of Chicago and Atlanta remain undisclosed. Party officials have indicated that the final decision will be made after further deliberation, with no immediate timeline provided beyond "later this year."