Boston, Denver and Philadelphia named finalists for 2028 DNC
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Photo: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images
It looks like the schmoozing with Democratic leaders at Contessa and Fenway Park has paid off.
- Boston made the shortlist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, along with Philadelphia and Denver.
Why it matters: The city has another chance to show up on the national stage, 24 years after it last hosted the DNC, as it comes off a summer packed with international events.
Catch up quick: The convention will be held Aug. 7-10 in 2028.
- The organizing committee narrowed it down to three finalists who leaders say showed they were prepared to host a political event of this size while meeting all the DNC’s criteria.
- Thursday’s announcement comes months after Gov. Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu led DNC officials on a tour of the city, which included major tourist attractions as well as local staples like J.J. Foley’s and the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.
What they're saying: Wu said in a statement that the World Cup showed how safe, welcoming and prepared Boston is to host major events, with walkable venues, major tourist attractions and engaged business leaders.
- "We are proud to offer the country clear proof of the progress that’s possible when we build the America our founders fought for," she said.
What set the three cities apart?
- Their strong relationships with the DNC, including partnerships across community, political and business leaders.
- Their ability to not only host a major event — including arena sizes, fundraising and hotel capacity — but also get innovative to work out the kinks that come up in organizing an event of this scale.
- And, of course, shared Democratic values.
Between the lines: Some worried Boston’s status as a solidly blue city could hurt its chances of hosting the DNC in 2028 after criticisms that the party failed to reach a wider swath of voters in the 2024 general election.
- So far, Boston’s reputation as a progressive city hasn’t disqualified it, and the fundraising dollars that reputation comes with don’t hurt, either.
What’s next: The nitty-gritty — contracts and other logistics over the next few months.
- That will determine the committee’s final pick.