The Democratic National Convention will not make a return to Chicago in 2028. This ends hopes for a first repeat at the United Center since the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan era. Governor JB Pritzker faces a setback as the Democratic National Committee excluded Chicago from the shortlist of potential host cities for the party’s presidential nominating convention on August 7-10, 2028. The final contenders now include Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia, removing Atlanta and Chicago after the 2024 convention.
Chicago’s exclusion came shortly after Illinois lost its chance to be among the earliest states in the Democratic presidential primaries in 2028. The Illinois Democratic Party aimed to position Illinois earlier in the primary schedule. Pritzker, who is the party’s de facto leader and largest financial supporter, promoted the state’s demographics as closely representative of the nation. Both holding an early primary and hosting the convention could have benefited Pritzker if he chooses to pursue the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
Pritzker and his wife, MK, contributed $5.6 million from a trust fund toward the 2024 convention. This made up about 6% of the $97 million raised by the local host committee. Pritzker has previously supported the party financially, being the largest individual donor with $1.25 million to the host committee of the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia.
While it surprised some that Chicago was a finalist, only a few cities match the party’s criteria for strong union representation and sufficient accommodations. Pritzker’s campaign did not comment immediately on Chicago’s exclusion from the 2028 list. A DNC tour group had visited Chicago’s United Center on May 12, 2026, as a possible 2028 venue.
The DNC has not detailed why Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia are finalists. In a social media post, DNC Chair Ken Martin remarked that each city offered strong proposals to celebrate the party’s future nominee and aid in efforts to win back the White House.
Chicago may still host future conventions, with the local committee bidding for the 2032 convention. Spokesperson Emily Soong emphasized Chicago’s past success and commitment to support the next chosen host city.
The Chicago host committee had not begun fundraising for a 2028 bid but relied on leftover funds from 2024. During a DNC visit in May, Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the successful 2024 convention. They remained optimistic about repeating the success despite needing to coordinate with Republican President Donald Trump’s administration. Chicago and Illinois often faced challenges due to the president’s policies, including 2022’s Operation Midway Blitz.
Mayor Johnson expressed gratitude for the DNC’s past consideration and noted the city’s ability to successfully host international events, remaining a strong candidate for 2032. Alderman Walter “Red” Burnett of the West Side anticipated delays in redevelopment near the United Center but did not view Chicago’s exclusion as a slight. He believed logistical challenges made hosting difficult, having hosted two consecutive conventions before.
Historically, few cities host back-to-back conventions. New York City last hosted consecutively for the Democratic party in 1976 and 1980. Chicago previously held multiple conventions, including during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt and the nominations of former Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson.
Pritzker remained positive about future opportunities, welcoming convention delegates back while recalling the city’s rich history of hosting impactful events.
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