Denver is among five cities that the Democratic National Committee is considering to host the 2028 convention, according to the party.
The event could mean a major economic boost for the city, which has faced a steep budget crunch recently as sales tax revenue has stagnated. Denver will compete against Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia for the convention. National Democrats will visit each city this spring as they consider options.
The Denver Post first reported that the city was preparing a bid to host the convention in January. This is the first time the city has formally confirmed its bid.
“I’m thrilled the Democratic National Committee is considering Denver as the host city for the 2028 convention,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in a news release Monday. “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.”
The convention will be from Aug. 7-10, 2028,
“The DNC is proud to be moving forward with our 2028 Democratic National Convention plans, another critical step toward retaking the White House and finally putting an end to Republicans’ betrayal of working families,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating our future nominees on the national stage and highlighting Democrats’ commitment to building a better, safer, and more affordable future for our country.”
DNC leadership and representatives of the party’s “Technical Advisory Group” will come to the city for the site visit. They will “assess the logistical and operational components of each city’s bid,” according to the news release.
According to the release, the party will consider things like:
- The importance of “forging a strong partnership between the DNC and the host city, including its community, political, and business leaders.”
- A city that “shares Democratic values.”
- “The value of utilizing new and innovative approaches in response to the challenges and opportunities that arise from hosting an event of this magnitude.”
Presidential nominating conventions, which happen every four years, are where Democratic and Republican party delegates formally select their presidential candidates.
Denver last hosted the event in 2008 when President Barack Obama accepted his nomination at Empower Field at Mile High, then called Invesco Field.
Each of the other competing cities have also hosted the event before, with Chicago doing so 12 times already. The DNC was also in Philadephia in 2016, Boston in 2004 and Atlanta in 1988.
When Chicago held the event in 2024, it brought in an estimated $200 million in spending, The event would also have costs with thousands of visitors straining the city’s resources, including its infrastructure and law enforcement.
The DNC didn’t specify in its news release when the organization would make its decision. The Republican National Committee in 2023 announced that it had selected Houston for its 2028 convention.
Several prominent city and state leaders, including Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib provided supportive statements in the news release Monday.
“Denver and all of Colorado is convenient to get to and is a must-visit destination for people around the country and around the world, and it makes perfect sense that Denver would be considered a finalist to host the Democratic National Convention,” Polis said. “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.”
also included statements from City Council President Amanda Sandoval, Denver Area Labor Federation President Jon Alvino, Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Kourtny Garrett and Visit Denver President & CEO Richard W. Scharf.
Denver about the city when submitting its bid, according to the city’s news release.
