Chicago Vies to Host 2028 Democratic National Convention

The city is a finalist along with Atlanta, Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia to host the event.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Democratic National Committee has named Chicago as a finalist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 7-10, 2028. Chicago previously hosted the 2024 DNC, which generated a record $371.4 million in economic impact for the city. The Chicago Bid Committee is confident in the city's ability to successfully host the event again, citing its "extensive track-record of safely and successfully hosting large-scale events, our vibrant and diverse culture, and our status as a world-class destination."

Why it matters

Hosting the Democratic National Convention is a major event that can provide a significant economic boost to the host city. Chicago's selection as a finalist highlights the city's reputation as a premier event destination, as well as the Democratic Party's continued interest in the city after a successful 2024 convention. The competition among the finalist cities also reflects the importance the party places on selecting the right location to showcase its values and nominees.

The details

The Democratic National Committee will visit each of the five finalist cities this spring to assess the logistical and operational components of their bids. The party is looking for a strong partnership between the DNC and the host city, as well as a commitment to 'Democratic values' and the ability to utilize 'new and innovative approaches' to hosting the event. In addition to Chicago, the other finalist cities are Atlanta, Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia.

  • The 2028 Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 7-10, 2028.
  • The DNC will visit the finalist cities this spring to evaluate their bids.

The players

Democratic National Committee

The organization responsible for overseeing the Democratic Party's presidential nominating process and national convention.

Chicago Bid Committee

The group that submitted Chicago's proposal to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.

Ken Martin

Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

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What they’re saying

“With our extensive track-record of safely and successfully hosting large-scale events, our vibrant and diverse culture, and our status as a world-class destination — we're confident that Chicago is best positioned to put on a convention that matches the enthusiasm, success, and energy of the 2024 DNC.”

— Chicago Bid Committee (Chicago Tribune)

“The DNC is proud to be moving forward with our 2028 Democratic National Convention plans, another critical step toward retaking the White House and finally putting an end to Republicans' betrayal of working families. We look forward to celebrating our future nominees on the national stage and highlighting Democrats' commitment to building a better, safer, and more affordable future for our country.”

— Ken Martin, DNC Chair (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The DNC and its Technical Advisory Group will visit the finalist cities this spring to further evaluate their bids. A final decision on the host city for the 2028 Democratic National Convention is expected to be announced later this year.

The takeaway

Chicago's selection as a finalist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention reflects the city's reputation as a premier event destination and the Democratic Party's continued interest in the city after a successful 2024 convention. The competition among the finalist cities highlights the importance the party places on selecting the right location to showcase its values and nominees.