The road to Election Day in the United States is paved with many important events, but few are more pivotal than each party's national conventions. These high-profile gatherings allow the Republican and Democratic parties to shape their policies, nominate candidates, and set the stage for the upcoming presidential race.
Want to learn more? You've come to the right place! Get the lowdown on the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) including the location, dates, attendees, and controversies that are certain to accompany it. And check out our 2024 Republican National Convention page to see what members of the GOP will be up to this summer.
When is the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
The Democratic National Convention is taking place August 19-22, 2024. This year’s DNC is anticipated to serve as a stage for the Democratic Party to solidify its platform, gain supporters, and more.
Where is the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
The host for this year's 2024 Democratic National Convention is Chicago, Illinois. The decision to host the event in the Midwest was influenced by its perceived electoral advantage, as the region played a pivotal role in Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Atlanta and New York were also considered, but Chicago was ultimately chosen because it was preferred by many of the top Democrats in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Who will attend the DNC?
It is estimated 75,000 individuals will participate in the Democratic National Convention. Among them, roughly 50,000 will be visitors, 20,000 will comprise members of the media, and 5,500 will be delegates and other guests.
Delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and American territories will be in attendance, with each state responsible for selecting its representatives.
Among the notable figures scheduled to appear are current US President Joe Biden, Dean Phillips, and possibly Michelle Obama, if the rumors of an 11th hour campaign play out to be true.
Why is the DNC important?
The convention's primary function is to enable delegates to formally select the party's nominees for the roles of president and vice president in the upcoming US election. The DNC also acts a stage for the party to exhibit its policies and deliver speeches. Despite the probability of nominees being apparent beforehand, conventions retain their importance as moments for parties to cultivate public support and articulate their values.
Democratic presidential nominee odds
| Nomination Winner |  |
Implied probability |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Biden | -500 | 83.3% |
| Gavin Newsom | +900 | 10% |
| Michelle Obama | +1000 | 9.1% |
| Kamala Harris | +1,200 | 7.7% |
| Dean Phillips | +5,000 | 2% |
| Elizabeth Warren | +5,000 | 2% |
| Gretchen Whitmer | +5,000 | 2% |
| Hillary Clinton | +8,000 | 1.2% |
| Robert Kennedy Jr. | +12,500 | 0.8% |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | +15,000 | 0.7% |
| Susan Rice | +20,000 | 0.5% |
| Pete Buttigieg | +30,000 | 0.3% |
| Marianne Williamson | +40,000 | 0.2% |
Odds courtesy of bet365 as of March 6, 2024.
Joe Biden is still taking the lead in the Democratic presidential nominee odds, with Gavin Newsom right behind him, followed by rumored possibility, Michelle Obama.
What to expect
Anticipation is high as the 2024 Democratic National Convention draws near. With the presidential and vice-presidential nominees still undetermined, speculation abounds. There are murmurs that Dean Phillips will grace the stage to deliver his speech, voicing his belief that Joe Biden cannot secure another term. "We’ve got some challenges... We’re going to repair this economy, and we are going to repair America," Phillips declared, underscoring his campaign's vision.
With Biden still trekking along, he believes he is the only candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election to protect democracy.
Outside the convention, there's a strong chance that "Free Palestine" protests could steal headlines and detract from the events within. DNC officials have addressed the issue, affirming the availability of a designated protest zone for those wishing to participate.
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Democratic National Convention controversies
Controversy and US politics have always been close bedfellows. That was especially the case at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968. While delegates gathered to nominate their presidential candidate, the streets swarmed with tens of thousands of protesters opposing the Vietnam War and the prevailing political establishment.
As Vice President Hubert Humphrey secured the presidential nomination that year, the convention was marked by profound internal divisions within the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, the city of Chicago became a scene of unrest, characterized by riots and violent clashes involving protesters, law enforcement, and innocent bystanders. These events left an enduring impact on America's political and social landscape, triggering significant changes and reshaping the course of the nation.
The 1972 DNC was another notable debacle, with nominee George McGovern forced to deliver his acceptance speech at 3:00 a.m., long after most Americans had retired for the night. And who could forget the marathon 1924 DNC, lasting 103 ballots before a presidential candidate was finally nominated, earning its place as the longest continuously running convention in US political history? Here's hoping for a smoother ride this year.
As the countdown to the 2024 Democratic National Convention continues, political intrigue, impassioned speeches, and maybe just a hint of controversy await, promising an eventful gathering that will shape the course of the upcoming election.
History of the Democratic National Convention
The DNC has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It first convened in 1832, in Baltimore, Maryland, where the Democratic Party formally nominated Andrew Jackson for his second presidential run.
The convention emerged as a response to the need for a structured process within the party for selecting presidential candidates. Prior to this, presidential nominees were typically chosen by congressional caucuses or state legislatures, but as the party grew and expanded its base, a more inclusive and representative method became necessary.
Past DNC winners
| Year | Presidential nominee | Vice Presidential nominee |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Adlai Stevenson | John Sparkman |
| 1956 | Adlai Stevenson | Estes Kefauver |
| 1960 | John F. Kennedy | Lyndon Johnson |
| 1964 | Lyndon Johnson | Hubert Humphrey |
| 1968 | Hubert Humphrey | Edmund Muskie |
| 1972 | George McGovern | Thomas Eagleton |
| 1976 | Jimmy Carter | Walter Mondale |
| 1980 | Jimmy Carter | Walter Mondale |
| 1984 | Walter Mondale | Geraldine Ferraro |
| 1988 | Michael Dukakis | Lloyd Bentsen |
| 1992 | Bill Clinton | Al Gore |
| 1996 | Bill Clinton | Al Gore |
| 2000 | Al Gore | Joe Lieberman |
| 2004 | John Kerry | John Edwards |
| 2008 | Barack Obama | Joe Biden |
| 2012 | Barack Obama | Joe Biden |
| 2016 | Hillary Clinton | Tim Kaine |
| 2020 | Joe Biden | Kamala Harris |
