Chicago has been named as one of five “frontrunner cities” to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
According to a press release from the Democratic National Committee, party leadership will visit Chicago in the spring as part of their process in selecting the host of the next convention.
“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. 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 Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.
According to Illinois Democrats, the party is also looking at potentially hosting the 2032 convention in the city.
“Following the unforgettable success of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Chicago is proud to once again be in consideration to host the DNC. With our extensive track-record of safely and successfully hosting large-scale events, our vibrant and diverse culture, and our status as a world-class destination – we’re confident that Chicago is best positioned to put on a convention that matches the enthusiasm, success, and energy of the 2024 DNC. The team that brought Democrats the best political convention is ready to do it again,” the Chicago Bid Committee said in a statement.
Atlanta, Boston, Denver and Philadelphia were also among the five frontrunner cities.
The 2028 Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 7-10, 2028, according to officials.
Chicago was host to the most recent DNC in 2024, with former Vice President Kamala Harris being named the party’s nominee. The DNC was also hosted at the United Center in 1996 when President Bill Clinton was nominated as he sought a second term.
The city also hosted DNC’s in 1932, 1940, 1944 and 1968.
While both Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson were thrilled to host the convention in 2024, they have both expressed concerns about security and other issues amid the ongoing administration of President Donald Trump.
“Under the FBI’s current leadership, under the Secret Service’s current leadership, will they act as they did in 2024 in coordination with local and state law enforcement to make sure that we have a safe city during a convention like this,” Pritzker said at a recent event in Chicago.
In addition to aiming to host the 2028 DNC, the state of Illinois is also aiming to be one of the first states to host a Democratic primary in that election cycle.
A total of 12 states are vying for early spots in the primary calendar, with North Carolina and Georgia also hoping to jump to a spot earlier in the calendar, according to NBC News.
