Philadelphia named top 3 finalist to host 2028 Democratic National Convention

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia is one step closer to securing another massive national event.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced on Thursday that the city is officially one of three finalists still in the running to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.

What we know:

Philadelphia made the cut alongside Denver and Boston. Atlanta and Chicago, which were previously on a five-city shortlist, have been eliminated from contention.

A final decision is expected to be made later this year by party leaders. If Philadelphia is selected, the convention will bring thousands of political delegates and journalists to the Xfinity Mobile Arena from August 7 to August 10, 2028.

DNC Chair Ken Martin stated that the remaining three cities submitted "incredibly strong bids." Earlier this spring, Martin and top DNC officials spent three days in Philadelphia touring facilities to assess the city's logistical readiness, evaluating everything from arena capacity to security and transportation infrastructure.

What they're saying:

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker spearheaded the city's campaign to land the convention, pointing to Philadelphia's jam-packed 2026 summer, which included the MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup matches, and America’s 250th birthday celebrations as proof that the city is more than capable of handling the spotlight.

"Philadelphia this year has proven that we can do big things better than any other city in the country," Parker said. "We are ready to welcome the Democratic Party and the nation back to our city."

Philadelphia leaders are making a strong case for the city, citing its history and readiness to handle major events. David L. Cohen, president of Pick Pennsylvania, said, "Philadelphia is a natural city, may be the best city for the Democrats to host their convention." 

Cohen said that being the birthplace of America is important and that experience matters when it comes to hosting the DNC. "It’s our experience, the fact that we’ve done this before," said Cohen. He also highlighted "the experience of our team, of the Pennsylvania team."

"We had a lot of guys working a lot of hours. You know all those set ups that they have to do that are really, really elaborate. We do those, you know our members love it, but we’re just great Philadelphia, you know, and we want to showcase our diversity. Our city is hot right right now," said Ryan N. Boyer, business manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council.

Potential economic impact

A 2028 convention could also provide a major boost to Philadelphia’s economy.

The 2016 Democratic National Convention generated $230.9 million in total economic impact, according to a Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau study.

That included:

• $132.9 million in convention-related spending
• $11.1 million in state and local tax revenue
• 1,536 jobs supported
• 54,300 visitors to the Philadelphia region
• Approximately 87,000 hotel room nights
• $45.7 million in increased hotel revenue across the five-county region

Dig deeper:

Proponents of the bid say hosting the event would provide a major economic boost, drawing visitors from across the globe to local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Philadelphia last hosted the DNC in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party has already locked in its location for the 2028 cycle, with its convention slated to take place in Houston.

What's next:

The Democratic Party is expected to make its final decision on the 2028 convention host city later this year. Local officials say they are optimistic as they await the announcement.

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