Philadelphia is one of three finalists to host the Democratic National Convention in two years, party officials announced Thursday.
Boston and Denver are the two other contenders. In March, the Democratic National Committee, or DNC, put out a five-city shortlist; Atlanta and Chicago did not make it to the final round.
A final decision is expected in the coming months. The convention is scheduled to be held Aug. 7 to 10, 2028. Delegates from across the country come to the event to nominate a presidential candidate, hear from leading political voices and debate the party’s platform.
“The 2028 Democratic National Convention will be an inspiring celebration of our party’s future nominee, and a critical step on Democrats’ path towards retaking the White House,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement Thursday.
Martin and his team toured Philadelphia in late April. The convention would be held at Xfinity Mobile Arena, home of the 76ers and Flyers.
The GOP has already chosen Houston as the host city for its 2028 convention.
Philadelphia hosted the 2016 Democratic National Convention, when Hillary Clinton became the party’s presidential pick, and the 2000 Republican National Convention, headlined by future President George W. Bush. The two events generated $575 million in local economic impact, according to Pick Pennsylvania, a nonprofit formed to lure the convention.
The effort is being led by Mayor Cherelle Parker, former U.S. ambassador to Canada and Comcast executive David L. Cohen, and Comcast-Spectacor Chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty.
“Becoming a finalist for the 2028 DNC Convention is a tremendous honor for the City of Philadelphia and for our entire Commonwealth," Parker said in a statement. "Philadelphia’s selection as a finalist is a testament to a unified Pennsylvania: rural, suburban, and urban; coming together to bring the next Democratic National Convention to Philadelphia.
“We have shown to the Democratic Party and the nation that Philadelphia has the experience, infrastructure, partnerships, and energy to deliver an exceptional convention.
On its website, pickpa.org, the group highlights recent events hosted in the city, including six FIFA World Cup matches and MLB All-Star Week, and notes that 40% of Pennsylvania voters have access to the Philadelphia media market.
Pennsylvania has sided with the eventual president in each of the last five election cycles and is considered one of the most important swing states.
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