The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia are the three finalist cities to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. DNC Chair Ken Martin stated that the selection process will now transition to the Democratic National Convention Committee for a final decision. The convention is scheduled to take place from August 7 to 10, 2028.
The announcement follows a selection process that began in September 2025. Earlier contenders Atlanta and Chicago were removed from consideration in the most recent round of narrowing. The DNC previously held its 2024 convention in Chicago, while the three finalists have all hosted the event within the last two decades. Philadelphia hosted in 2016, Denver in 2008, and Boston in 2004.
In a statement, Martin described the bids from the three finalists as "incredibly strong" and noted the convention would be a step toward the party's goal of winning the White House. DNC officials confirmed that site visits to the competing cities were conducted in April and May. A final host city selection is expected to be made in the coming months.
Following the announcement, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens criticized the decision to exclude his city. In a letter obtained by CBS News, Dickens said the move suggested the DNC does not view Atlanta or Georgia as relevant to the party's future. The DNC has not publicly responded to the mayor's comments regarding the shortlist.
For the Democratic National Committee, the choice of location serves as a strategic backdrop for the formal nomination of their presidential candidate. The decision carries political weight, as seen in the reaction from Mayor Dickens, who argued that excluding Atlanta overlooks Georgia's role in the party's national strategy. The choice of city can influence local party morale and regional media coverage in the years leading up to the election cycle.
The process now moves into its final phase, where the Democratic National Convention Committee will evaluate the remaining bids over several months. This period will involve final negotiations regarding venue specifications, financing, and infrastructure. Once a city is selected and a contract is signed, the local government and organizing committees will begin roughly two years of preparation for the arrival of the national political apparatus. The final selection date has not been announced, but officials indicated it would occur in the coming months.