Chicago Selected as Finalist to Host 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions

The Windy City is one of five cities in the running to host the high-profile political events.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Chicago has been selected as a finalist to host the Democratic National Convention in 2028 and 2032, along with four other cities - Atlanta, Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia. The DNC last came to Chicago in 2024, when the party nominated Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. The Chicago Bid Committee is confident the city can successfully host the large-scale event again, citing its extensive experience and vibrant culture.

Why it matters

Hosting the Democratic National Convention is a major political and economic opportunity for a city, bringing national attention, thousands of attendees, and a significant economic boost. Chicago's selection as a finalist shows the city's continued prominence as a political and cultural center, especially for the Democratic Party.

The details

The Democratic National Committee announced on Monday that Chicago was one of five cities selected as finalists to host the 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions. The other finalist cities are Atlanta, Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia. The convention is held before each presidential election and includes speeches from prominent Democrats as well as the formal nomination of the party's presidential and vice presidential candidates.

  • The DNC last came to Chicago in 2024.
  • The Chicago Bid Committee submitted its proposal to host the event earlier this year.
  • DNC officials met with the Chicago Bid Committee in February to discuss the city's proposal and preparation.

The players

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President who was nominated by the Democratic Party to run for President in 2024.

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who was nominated by the Democratic Party to run for Vice President in 2024.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who ran against the Democratic ticket in 2024.

JD Vance

The former Vice President who ran alongside Donald Trump in 2024.

Chicago Bid Committee

The group that submitted Chicago's proposal to host the 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions.

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What’s next

The DNC will make a final decision on the host cities for the 2028 and 2032 conventions in the coming months.

The takeaway

Chicago's selection as a finalist to host the 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions underscores the city's continued prominence as a political and cultural center, especially for the Democratic Party. Hosting the high-profile event would bring national attention and a significant economic boost to the city.