The Democratic National Committee has narrowed its search for a 2028 convention host to three cities: Boston, Denver and Philadelphia, setting up a high-stakes battle to host the party's presidential nominating event.
The decision, announced Aug. 20, comes as Democrats reshape their 2028 strategy, including a controversial overhaul of the presidential primary calendar. It also drew an immediate rebuke from Atlanta leaders after the Georgia capital failed to make the final cut.
DNC narrows convention search
DNC Chair Ken Martin said Boston, Denver and Philadelphia submitted "strong bids" and will remain under consideration as the party works toward a final decision.
"Each city presented strong bids to host an inspiring celebration of our party's future nominee and a critical
step on our path to retaking the White House," Martin said.
According to The Hill, party officials previously visited Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago as part of the selection process. Atlanta and Chicago did not advance.
Atlanta mayor blasts decision
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sharply criticized the move, arguing it sends the wrong message to Southern and Black voters.
"They are afraid to leave their comfort zone and blind to the fact that the South is the answer," Dickens said. "They are abandoning Atlanta, abandoning the South, and once again abandoning Black voters."
The criticism underscores a broader debate within the party over the coalition Democrats will need to win back the White House in 2028.
Decision follows primary shakeup
The convention search comes days after Democrats approved anew 2028 primary calendar that elevates South Carolina to the first Democratic primary and ends New Hampshire's and Iowa's decades-long runs as the opening contests.
The change sparked fierce backlash in both states. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said party leaders had "learned nothing" from the 2024 election, while Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart called the move a "slap in the face" and accused the DNC of breaking promises about an open process.
Cities have convention history
All three finalists have hosted Democratic conventions before.
- Philadelphia hosted in 2016.
- Denver hosted in 2008.
- Boston hosted in 2004.
The winning city will welcome thousands of delegates, elected officials, media members and activists during one of the party's highest-profile events of the 2028 campaign season.
USA TODAY’s Francesca Chambers and Emily Condon contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DNC narrows 2028 convention race to 3 cities
