The Democratic National Committee narrowed its choice for the 2028 convention host city to Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia on Thursday, eliminating Atlanta and Chicago from the original five finalists in the first round of cuts.
The DNC announced the decision without specifying reasons for removing Atlanta and Chicago, the 2024 convention host. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin led the announcement, according to multiple outlets reporting the decision earlier today.
The original five finalists were announced in March 2026, following applications from cities nationwide. The DNC selected Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Philadelphia for a rigorous site-selection process that included visits from committee officials to assess each city’s infrastructure, logistics, and capacity to host the four-day event.
The 2028 Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 7–10, 2028. Party leaders are expected to make a final decision among the three remaining cities later this year, according to DNC officials and reporting from multiple news outlets.
The selection process reflects the Democratic Party’s effort to choose a location that balances geographic representation, venue capacity, and alignment with party values. When Chicago was selected for the 2024 convention in April 2023, the DNC cited support from “a wide range of midwestern Democrats who represent the diversity of the party,” according to Democratic officials at the time.
Republicans have already selected Houston as the host city for their 2028 presidential nominating convention, setting the stage for a parallel selection process among Democrats in the coming months.
Sources
- 9News — Denver named as finalist to host 2028 Democratic National Convention
- Philadelphia Inquirer — Philadelphia named as one of three finalist cities to host the 2028 DNC
- WABE — Atlanta loses bid to host 2028 Democratic National Convention, citing no specific reason for elimination
- NBC Chicago — Chicago eliminated from 2028 convention finalist pool
- WHYY — DNC 2028 convention short list includes Philadelphia, Boston, and Denver; final decision expected later this year
- NBC Chicago — How Chicago landed the 2024 Democratic National Convention through a rigorous site-selection process
- Democratic National Committee — Official announcement of 2028 convention dates (August 7–10, 2028) and initial five finalists in March 2026
