CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Democratic National Committee officials are in Chicago this week as the city pushes to host another Democratic National Convention in 2028.
Members of the DNC’s site selection committee and technical advisory group began a three-day visit Monday to evaluate Chicago’s proposal. The tour includes stops at the United Center, meetings with city and state leaders, and visits to several Chicago landmarks, including the Obama Presidential Center ahead of its public opening.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker are both expected to take part in the visit as Chicago competes against Atlanta, Boston, Denver and Philadelphia for the convention.
Chicago leaders are leaning heavily on the city’s performance during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, which brought roughly 50,000 visitors to the city and generated an estimated $371 million in economic impact, according to Choose Chicago and the Chicago 2024 Host Committee. Organizers say the event also supported more than 3,200 jobs across the region.
Chicago is widely viewed as a strong contender after hosting the 2024 convention without major operational issues. The convention was held at the United Center and McCormick Place and formally nominated then-Vice President Kamala Harris for president following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race weeks earlier.
This week’s site visit will focus heavily on logistics, transportation, infrastructure and security planning tied to hosting another major national political event.
The Chicago 2028 Host Committee also released a promotional video Monday highlighting the city’s political history, architecture, sports culture and convention experience. The video describes Chicago as “the heart of America, and the heartland of democracy.”
Chicago has hosted Democratic conventions multiple times, including in 1968, 1996 and 2024, and has hosted more major political conventions than any other U.S. city.
The 2028 Democratic National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 7 through Aug. 10.
DNC officials are touring the city this week as Chicago competes against four other finalists.
DNC officials are touring the city this week as Chicago competes against four other finalists.
