Philadelphia a finalist to host 2028 Democratic National Convention

Of the three finalists, Philadelphia hosted the convention most recently, in 2016. Denver and Boston last hosted the DNC in 2008 and 2004, respectively.

Despite having hosted the convention just a decade ago, Pennsylvania’s prominence as a swing state has taken center stage, while Massachusetts and Colorado have voted reliably Democratic.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is running for a second term this November, has also been mentioned as one of the Democrats who could seek the party’s nomination for president in 2028. 

In January, Shapiro penned a letter to DNC Chairman Ken Martin expressing his support for Philadelphia to host either the 2028 or 2032 convention.

“Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy – generations of Americans have come together on our streets and in our meeting places to chart our nation’s course, inspired by the example set by those who have come before them,” Shapiro wrote.

The Associated Press reported that “the three finalists are liberal strongholds surrounded by the type of suburban areas that have become increasingly important to the party in recent elections,” adding that “they also provide access to fundraising and key demographic and interest groups, like labor unions.”

Not only is state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta from Philadelphia, he also serves as a vice chair for the committee. 

“The next convention will be a celebration of the country we love and a chance to turn the page on the most divisive and destructive presidency in American history,” Kenyatta said to The Center Square. “The finalists are each fantastic cities. As a son of Philadelphia, I’m uniquely proud that our great city is advancing in this process.”

Philadelphia hosted several high-profile events in 2026, including several FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and other America250 festivities. 

Shapiro noted in the letter to Martin earlier this year that those events in 2026 would support tens of thousands of jobs, inject millions of dollars into the state’s economy, and prepare Philadelphia to host more major events in the future.

“Furthermore, Philadelphia – and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – would see substantial economic benefits from hosting the Democratic National Convention in either 2028 or 2032,” Shapiro said.

In late April, city leaders and DNC officials gathered in Philadelphia to discuss the possibility of the City of Brotherly Love hosting the 2028 convention.

KYW Newsradio reports that the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia generated an estimated $230 million in economic activity in the Philadelphia region, less than organizers had predicted but still likely helping the city attract other big events.

An economic study released following the 2024 DNC in Chicago showed that the convention generated over $371 million in economic impact, supported over 3,200 jobs, and generated $28.7 million in state and local tax revenue. 

Shapiro said that he was confident that a future convention in Philadelphia “would bring with it even greater economic benefits, ensuring more Pennsylvanians have access to economic opportunities for themselves and their families.”

“Spurring economic development and creating opportunity have been top priorities during my tenure as Governor, and my Administration works closely with our partners at the county and local level to ensure our resources are coordinated and utilized as effectively as possible to land major deals and successfully host major events,” Shapiro wrote. “Should you choose Philadelphia to host the Democratic National Convention in either 2028 or 2032, the Commonwealth will be prepared to ensure our infrastructure, public safety agencies, workforce, and business community are equipped to host thousands of delegates and attendees.”

Pittsburgh was reportedly in the running to host the Republican National Convention in 2024, although some local Democratic elected officials in Allegheny County during the selection process in 2022 lobbied against hosting the gathering. Milwaukee was ultimately selected to host the RNC in 2024. 

The 2028 Republican National Convention will take place in Houston, Texas.