Denver's DNC bid faces a deep-blue dilemma
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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (right) introduced DNC chair Ken Martin (left) during the press conference for the DNC site visit at Ball Arena in Denver in May. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Denver is making an aggressive bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, but Colorado's deep-blue status — and recent progressive primary wins — may complicate its pitch.
Why it matters: Hosting the four-day event could pump up to $500 million into Denver's economy while putting the city at the center of the national political conversation just months before the 2028 general election.
The big picture: Denver is one of five finalist cities, including Atlanta — a Sun Belt stronghold Democrats increasingly view as the party's electoral future.
State of play: Denver's bid banks on more than hotel rooms and convention center space. Democrats' nostalgia for the 2008 convention in Denver is widely remembered as the kickoff to Barack Obama's White House campaign.
- Meanwhile, Colorado Democrats argue the state is a blueprint for the party's future: a coalition that stretches from moderates to progressives and has helped Democrats dominate statewide elections.
What they're saying: U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who helped bring the 2008 convention to Denver as mayor, called Colorado "a model" for the nation.
- "To win in 2026, 2028, and beyond, Democrats need a big tent and a compelling vision … and no state makes that case better than Colorado," Hickenlooper told Axios Denver in a statement.
Yes, but: Colorado's deep-blue shift cuts both ways.
Behind the scenes: Some Colorado Democrats privately worry recent progressive wins here may convince Democratic National Committee leaders that a deep-blue city doesn't make strategic sense as the next convention host.
- Labor leader Stephanie Felix-Sowy said some national party officials have been "freaking out a bit" over progressive momentum elsewhere.
- Colorado Democratic Party chair Shad Murib rejects that framing, arguing progressive candidates are winning because they're focused on affordability, voters' top concern. Denver, he told Axios, is a crucial regional anchor because "the West is a critical piece of the Democratic puzzle."
The other side: While Denver says, "Go West," the DNC is looking South.
- In an April interview with Axios, DNC chair Ken Martin predicted that by 2032, the presidential race "will run through the Sun Belt of the South."
- That strengthens Atlanta's case. And political momentum surrounding leaders like U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms adds to its appeal.
- Democratic strategist Alvina Vasquez told Axios that Atlanta also offers a symbolic advantage, allowing Democrats to rally around voting rights in a state where access remains a defining political issue.
What's next: The DNC will continue evaluating the finalist cities, which also include Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston. A decision may be made by the end of the year.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the additional finalist cities are Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston (not Houston, Miami and Phoenix).