PHILADELPHIA (WFMZ-TV) – City officials said they have been rolling out the blue carpet for committee members. The DNC is in midst of a three-day tour of the city.
“Pick Pennsylvania, because we will do you proud,” said Ryan Boyer, building and trade business manager.
Philadelphia’s message to the Democratic National Committee.
This, as the city is auditioning to host the Parties 2028 National Convention, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says the selection extends beyond the city.
“This is about rural, urban and suburban Pennsylvania, one Philly, one Commonwealth and one America,” she said during a press conference inside Xfinity Mobile Arena.
If picked, this would be the third National Convention hosted this century: The RNC in 2000, and the DNC in 2016.
To do so in 2028, Philadelphia has to beat out Atlanta, Denver, Boston, and 2024 host, Chicago.
From the arena to area infrastructure, Comcast Spectacor Chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty said the city has made massive upgrades since 2016.
“This city, with its incredible transportation amenities and restaurants, we will be ready, and we’ll start at the epicenter of this convention, right here in this Xfinity Mobile Arena,” he said.
Picking Philadelphia would be a party returning to where the nation was born, trying to hold onto where elections are decided.
As the Keystone state has become the country’s key swing state. Philadelphia isn’t just blue, it’s the Democrats’ vote bank that offsets the rest of the state.
3-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey says there’s no doubt if the DNC picks Philadelphia it would give a jolt to the nominee.
“In a presidential race, which everyone should expect will be close, that kind of injection of energy can be really beneficial,” Casey said.
When looking at the voting numbers, since 2016, the Presidential winner of the state won by under 2 points.
Since 2012, the Democrats winning margin in Philadelphia has decreased 11 points, from 71 points to 60 in 2024.
Highlighting how important a voting jolt here is.
If picked, Philadelphia needs to raise 100 million dollars. Officials said it can and will be done.
The DNC still needs to visit three more cities.