Final host city expected later this year
The Democratic National Committee trimmed its 2028 presidential convention shortlist to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia on Thursday, advancing three of the five cities that had submitted bids and clearing the way for party leaders to choose a final host later this year.
The cut leaves the field without Atlanta or Chicago. Chicago hosted the 2024 Democratic convention, and the party did not specify why it was eliminated this round.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement that the cities put forward “incredibly strong bids” and promised the convention would be an “inspiring celebration of our party’s future nominee.” The statement did not single out any of the eliminated cities.
The convention is scheduled for Aug. 7-10, 2028. Traditionally, the convention formally introduces the party’s nominee to the country, rallies the base and kicks off the most intense period of campaigning ahead of the general election.
With the party looking ahead to a wide-open primary to succeed President Donald Trump, the convention will also serve as the party’s first major showcase following the 2024 election cycle.
DNC officials visited all five candidate cities in April and May. The committee weighed logistical and fundraising capacity, among other factors, but did not publicly detail how it ranked the candidates or why it eliminated any of them.
Republicans have already chosen Houston for the site of their 2028 convention.
A final decision on the Democratic host city is expected later this year by party leaders.