Atlanta Mayor Blasts DNC for Snubbing City in 2028 Convention Shortlist
- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens slammed Democratic National Committee leaders on Thursday after the party dropped Atlanta from its shortlist of host cities for the 2028 presidential convention, accusing...
- In a scathing letter obtained by CBS News Atlanta and Fox News Digital, Mayor Dickens criticized DNC Chairman Ken Martin and party officials for the decision.
- They remain stuck in their familiar routines, unable to see that the South holds the key.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens slammed Democratic National Committee leaders on Thursday after the party dropped Atlanta from its shortlist of host cities for the 2028 presidential convention, accusing national leadership of abandoning Black voters and the South. According to CBS News and Fox News, the DNC announced that Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia advanced as the three finalists for the August 7-10, 2028 event, eliminating both Atlanta and Chicago.
Atlanta Mayor Blasts DNC Leadership Over 2028 Snub
In a scathing letter obtained by CBS News Atlanta and Fox News Digital, Mayor Dickens criticized DNC Chairman Ken Martin and party officials for the decision. Dickens argued that the exclusion signals that party leaders view Atlanta and Georgia as irrelevant to the future of the Democratic Party.
They remain stuck in their familiar routines, unable to see that the South holds the key. They are turning their backs on Atlanta, the South, and once more on Black voters.
Mayor Andre Dickens
Dickens noted in his letter that the party has not selected a Southern city to host its convention in more than a decade. The last time the Democratic National Convention was held in Atlanta was in 1988, when the party selected former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis as its candidate. Since then, Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2012 remains the sole Southern host city.
DNC Finalists and Selection Criteria
DNC Chairman Ken Martin defended the selection process in a public statement, highlighting the strength of the remaining bids.
Philadelphia, Boston, and Denver each submitted exceptionally robust proposals to host the gathering, and we eagerly anticipate ongoing collaboration with all three as the DNC reaches its ultimate decision in the months ahead.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin
According to the DNC, party officials evaluated cities based on several operational factors. These included logistical capacity such as arena size and hotel availability, fundraising capability, community and business partnerships, and alignment with Democratic values. Party leadership did not specify why Atlanta and Chicago were cut from the five-city evaluation field.
Southern Democrats Push Back on National Strategy
Charlie Bailey, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, emphasized that Georgia remains a premier battleground state regardless of the convention venue. The road to the White House in 2028 will come straight through Georgia, according to Bailey. State Democrats are focusing on upcoming electoral battles, including campaigns for the U.S. Senate and the governorship. Meanwhile, the DNC pointed to its recent calendar adjustments as evidence of its commitment to the region, noting a vote to place South Carolina first on the 2028 presidential nominating calendar.
