What's at stake for Philadelphia's DNC bid
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Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Photo: Nicholas Kamm / AFP via Getty
Philadelphia could cement its place as the epicenter of the Democratic Party by landing its presidential nominating convention in 2028.
Why it matters: Hosting the convention would put a national spotlight on Philly and provide an economic windfall for the city's tourism industry — but also could prompt protests, congestion and increased security.
Catch up quick: The Democratic National Committee put Philly on its shortlist to host the convention.
- Also in the running: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Denver.
State of play: The city's host committee, Pick Pennsylvania, is gearing up for a site visit from national Democratic leadership this spring.
- If selected, the convention — set for Aug. 7-10, 2028 — would be held at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Timeline: For the 2024 convention, the host city was announced in April 2023.
Flashback: Philly has hosted the DNC three times, most recently in 2016.
What they're saying: "Philadelphia would literally be the center of the media universe for the week of the convention," David L. Cohen, president of the city's host committee and former Comcast executive, tells Axios in a statement.
Behind the scenes: Mayor Cherelle Parker brought together some of the city and state's top Democrats to form the host committee.
- That includes Daniel Hilferty, CEO of Comcast Spectacor, who is chairperson of the city's host committee.
Between the lines: Aren Platt, a senior adviser for the city's host committee, declined to reveal details about Philly's bid, telling Axios the committee is under a strict non-disclosure agreement with the DNC.
- Worth noting: Platt is also the executive of Parker's political operation.
Why Philly: The city is having a moment in U.S. politics.
- Philly is the most important city in the swingiest of swing states during presidential elections: Voter turnout here signals whether Democrats win or lose the state.
- Meanwhile, Gov. Josh Shapiro could run for president in 2028, setting up the potential for him to accept the nomination in his home state and a few miles away from his Montco abode.
- Plus: We have newly minted Michelin restaurants, quality public transit and a positive track record of hosting massive events — think: the 2015 papal visit.
Yes, but: The DNC in 2016 didn't send Hillary Clinton to the White House.
- And lest we forget: Philly failed to turn out in high enough numbers to win Pennsylvania for Kamala Harris in 2024.
By the numbers: The economic upshot of the DNC is huge.
- For example: The DNC in Chicago in 2024 generated $371.4 million in economic impact and drew roughly 50,000 visitors.
Plus: The last time the DNC came to Philly in 2016, the economic impact was nearly $231 million, per an analysis by Oxford Economics for the city's tourism bureau.
- And more than 54,000 people attended the event, with visitor spending at hotels, restaurants, bars and shops topping $48 million.
What's next: The pressure campaign on members of the Democratic National Committee is in full swing as each city makes the case for why its region will help boost the party's chances in 2028.
What do you think? Take our poll on whether Philly should host the 2028 DNC.