Denver preps pitch for 2028 convention ahead of DNC visit
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Anadolu/Getty Images
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Democratic leaders are readying their pitch to host the national party convention in 2028.
Why it matters: As one of five finalists, Denver is uniquely positioned as an emerging blue state to illustrate the party's values and how to beat Republicans.
- Moreover, the convention would give the city — and particularly downtown — a crucial economic boost.
Driving the news: Democratic National Committee officials are scheduled to land in Denver in early May to hear the city's pitch and explore whether it can host tens of thousands of party activists, two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity told Axios Denver.
How it works: DNC chair Ken Martin told Axios is dispatching a contingent of national party officials to evaluate the five nationwide sites "to really do a deep dive," he said.
- Deciding factors include the size of the convention center, number of hotel rooms, transportation options and other logistics.
- "These are national security events. They're major, major efforts, and as a result, it's quite a significant logistical undertaking," he told us.
The intrigue: Each city has a team and outside allies trying to land the convention by promoting their city — and undermining the others.
- Whisper campaigns are pointing out the potential flaws of each finalist: Atlanta doesn't have enough union hotels. Chicago hosted the convention in 2024. Boston signals "liberal elite." Colorado isn't in a swing state. And Philadelphia, the 2016 host, is a reminder of the year Hillary Clinton lost the election.
Flashback: Earlier this month, a Denver contingent that included the mayor traveled to a national party meeting in New Orleans to generate excitement about the city's bid.
- In a letter to delegates reviewed by Axios Denver, Johnston harkened back 20 years to the 2008 convention in Denver that nominated then-Sen. Barack Obama as their presidential nominee.
What he's saying: "That moment electrified the country. Now, as America looks for that spark again, Denver is ready to deliver," Johnston's letter read.
Reality check: Martin told Axios that party delegates have no say in the decision and called the lobbying "funny but good."
- "There's no vote by the committee on convention," he said. "It's a decision made by one person — the chair."