Boston to host DNC? Democrats name 3 finalist cities for 2028 presidential convention
Boston is one of three cities that could host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, the party announced Thursday.
Denver and Philadelphia are also in contention to land the DNC. There were five front-runner cities identified earlier this year, but Atlanta and Chicago are no longer in the running.
"Boston's one of the world's greatest cities. My money would be on Philadelphia just because Pennsylvania is so crucial," said WBZ-TV's political analyst Jon Keller.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other leading state Democrats welcomed DNC officials to the city in May to make their pitch.
Wu said in a statement Thursday that Boston showed during the World Cup that it is "the perfect venue to host important events."
"Boston is ready to host a DNC Convention that will showcase our vibrant, diverse city to a global audience, welcome guests and delegates to hotels within walking distance of both the convention venues and our major attractions, and deliver major economic benefits to local businesses," the mayor said. "We are proud to offer the country clear proof of the progress that's possible when we build the America our founders fought for."
If selected, Boston would hold the DNC at the TD Garden. That's where the 2004 DNC was, when Democrats nominated former Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts for the presidency.
"2004 was somewhat unique. It was the first major national political gathering after 9/11. The security sensitivity was heightened around the city," said Jim Rooney, the president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Rooney explained that Boston didn't see much of an economic boost from the convention. He explained that the heightened security turned the city into a ghost town.
"I think most Bostonians remember the 2004 convention as a total pain in the you know what," Keller said.
But do residents want the convention to come to Boston?
"National conventions are awesome. They dress up like they're going to college basketball games with their faces painted, all excited about tax cuts and stuff," said Mike O'Brien.
"It will be good to have the Democrats here," Richard Baark said.
The next DNC is scheduled for August 7-10, 2028.
