Philadelphia named finalist to host 2028 Democratic National Convention

Philadelphia joins Boston and Denver as finalists to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, city officials announced Thursday.

The announcement comes as the Democratic National Committee enters the final stage of its selection process.

Philadelphia's selection as a finalist follows a visit by top DNC officials to judge the city's readiness and capacity to host the convention.

The visit included DNC Chair Ken Martin, who came to Philadelphia in the spring as the city was ramping up preparations for major events, including America 250, the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game.

David L. Cohen, former U.S. Ambassador and Pick PA president, says his message to party leaders remains the same.

"There is no city better positioned, more capable to host a mega event and pull it off in every possible effect than Philadelphia," Cohen said.

Philadelphia last hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2016, when Hillary Clinton was the party's presidential nominee. She ultimately lost the election to Donald Trump, who was elected to his first term as president. The city also hosted the Republican National Convention in 2020.

Cohen, who has led the city's push, says that experience gives Philadelphia an edge.

 "We're a couple steps ahead of what their asks are because we know what all the steps are," Cohen said.

Officials see other advantages, too. Philadelphia is the only city of the three finalists to be situated in a major swing state. With democracy set to be a big focus for the 2028 campaign, having Philly's historic backdrop could be a bonus. 

"To have a convention in Philadelphia, birthplace of America, birthplace of democracy and democratic ideals," Cohen said.

"We have Independence Hall. We have the Liberty Bell. We have Ben Franklin's house and Betsy Ross's house. Nobody else has this," said Eleanor Dezzi, who has been a delegate at every DNC dating back to 1992.

In a statement, Mayor Cherelle Parker said in part, "Becoming a finalist for the 2028 DNC Convention is a tremendous honor for the City of Philadelphia and for our entire Commonwealth. We have shown to the Democratic Party and the nation that Philadelphia has the experience, infrastructure, partnerships, and energy to deliver an exceptional convention. There is no better place for the Democratic Party to celebrate our nation's shared history and present a bold vision for its future than Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy. We are ready to welcome the Democratic Party and the nation back to our city."

Officials also brought up Philadelphia's summer of major events, from the World Cup to America 250 celebrations. Cohen says Philly made sure party leaders took notice of the events.

Martin was actually in Philadelphia for Fourth of July celebrations, according to Cohen. While the night's concert was interrupted by severe thunderstorms, Cohen says he thinks it showed, firsthand, how the city was able to handle a challenge.

"He saw the performance of our police. He saw the performance of our city personnel in having an orderly evacuation," Cohen said. "And he saw how everyone behaved and performed in bringing people back."

Most of the next steps, according to Cohen, will happen behind the scenes. They have one-on-one meetings with DNC leaders. There are contracts to be put in place with venues and hotels. There's also about $100 million in fundraising from the private sector.

As for when the DNC will announce a 2028 host, leaders say that's unclear. But Cohen believes they'll have an answer before the end of the year.

The 2028 Democratic National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 7-10, 2028. Republicans will take their 2028 convention to Houston, Texas.