Denver Among Five Finalists to Host 2028 Democratic National Convention

Denver may soon become the national basecamp for Democrats as the party gears up to attempt to retake the presidency in 2028.

The Mile High City is on the shortlist of cities in consideration to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, CBS News reported on Monday, March 2. The other finalist cities are Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

“We’re honored to be considered and excited to show what Colorado can deliver for our party and our country,” says Shad Murib, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. “Colorado is ready to lead, and our country is ready for a new direction. Our mission to protect everyone’s family, freedoms and future has united people across our state — and that unity has built the infrastructure, energy and capacity to host at the highest level and share that mission with the nation.”

The DNC is held in a different city every four years, gathering thousands of delegates from across the nation to select the party’s presidential and vice presidential nominees. In 2028, the convention will determine which Democrats attempt to retake the White House after Republican President Donald Trump’s second term concludes.

The convention will be held from August 7 to 10 in 2028, CBS reported.

Local politicos have discussed the possibility of hosting the DNC for months, with Mayor Mike Johnston’s office finally confirming that Denver submitted a bid for host city in January.

“Denver not only offers everything a successful convention needs, but we are a shining example of how to lead America forward by dreaming big and delivering bigger,” Johnston says.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis adds, “Denver has already proven that we can host an incredible Democratic National Convention, having hosted one of the most memorable in recent history, and I have no doubt that when the committee visits they will see the same opportunity for 2028.”

The DNC has been held in Denver twice before: in 2008, when Barack Obama was nominated, and in 1908, when William Jennings Bryan was nominated. In 2018, Denver reportedly pulled its name off the shortlist for the 2020 DNC, because the convention dates clashed with upcoming event schedules. In 2014, the city was a semifinalist for the 2016 Republican National Convention, which has never been held in Colorado.

Only five cities have ever hosted the DNC more than twice: Chicago (twelve times), Baltimore (nine), New York City (five), St. Louis (four) and Philadelphia (three). The remaining finalist cities, Atlanta and Boston, have each hosted once.

In 2008, then-Mayor John Hickenlooper reported that the DNC resulted in a regional economic benefit of $266 million, including $154 million in Denver. Officials expect a greater economic impact in 2028; Chicago reported an economic benefit of $371 million in 2024.

“The Democratic National Convention is in a class of its own when it comes to driving economic activity,” says Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Kourtny Garrett. “And even though Denver will face fierce competition, we know Denver is also in a class of own when it comes to what we can offer. If the DNC selects Denver, it will find a city ready to deliver the most accessible, connected convention in the party’s history. It will also find a city that knows how to have fun, and whose hotels, bars, restaurants, and access to amazing hiking and outdoor recreation is second to none.”

Based on previous release dates, the DNC is expected to publicly announce its 2028 host city in early 2027.