Atlanta is no longer under consideration to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) narrowed its list of potential host cities to Philadelphia, Boston and Denver.
The convention is held every four years to formally nominate the Democratic Party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates. In addition to its political significance, hosting the convention brings thousands of delegates, media professionals, and visitors to the host city, generating substantial economic activity.
In 2024, the convention brought an estimated 50,000 visitors to Chicago. Among them, between 5,000 and 7,000 delegates and alternates attended to vote on Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz as candidates for president and vice president.
The DNC did not publicly provide a specific reason for eliminating Atlanta from consideration. However, in announcing its decision to move forward with Philadelphia, Boston and Denver, DNC Chairman Ken Martin said the remaining cities submitted “incredibly strong bids” and said the convention would be “an inspiring celebration of our party’s future nominee.”
Dickens responds to DNC decision
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens responded Thursday, Aug 20, 2026, with a press statement from his office, criticizing the DNC for its decision to remove Atlanta from the list of potential presidential convention sites.
In the statement, Dickens wrote that the decision could not have been based on Atlanta’s ability to host major events. He criticized DNC Chairman Ken Martin for not having faith in the city’s ability to galvanize the Democratic vote.
“It seems that Ken Martin doesn’t even believe himself when he said that the road to the White House runs through the South,” Dickens said. “Atlanta is the crown jewel of the Southeast, the Black economic engine of the country, and the cradle of the civil rights movement. They are afraid to leave their comfort zone and blind to the fact that the South is the answer. They are abandoning Atlanta, abandoning the South, and once again abandoning Black voters.”
Criticism of the party’s strategy
The last time Atlanta hosted the Democratic National Convention was in 1988 when former governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis won the Democratic nomination over Jesse Jackson by 70% of the vote.
Dickens noted that the Republican Party has chosen Houston to host the 2028 Republican National Convention, while the DNC has repeatedly chosen locations outside of Atlanta, referring to it as “an intentional choice.”
He claimed that the DNC is “running scared” and “retreating to their safe spaces,” arguing the party was abandoning the South and Black voters while Trump has made consistent efforts to minimize Black voting power.
Dickens also criticized the party’s strategy and questioned whether its leadership “know[s] how to win the White House in 2028,” expressing doubt about the Democratic Party’s ability to win the 2028 presidential election.
The DNC is expected to select one of the remaining cities at a later date.
