Atlanta Mayor Criticizes DNC over 2028 Convention Choices

Atlanta’s Democratic Mayor Andre Dickens has criticized the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) leadership. He accused party leaders of neglecting Black voters and the South. This came after the DNC excluded Atlanta from its shortlist to host the 2028 presidential convention.

“The DNC continues to make the wrong choices,” Dickens wrote in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital. He specifically addressed DNC Chairman Ken Martin. This criticism is similar to other southern Democrats’ arguments. They have pressed the national party to not take the South, especially Black voters, for granted in the 2028 elections.

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain recently emphasized that “the South is the future.” Democratic chairs from five other southern states had earlier warned the DNC against assuming Black voters’ loyalty. “They are afraid to leave their comfort zone and blind to the fact that the South is the answer,” Dickens expressed in his letter.

The DNC did not comment directly on Dickens’ letter. They highlighted their broader efforts in the South. DNC Chairman Ken Martin stated, “The 2028 Democratic National Convention will be an inspiring celebration of our party’s future nominee.” He also mentioned strong bids from Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia, the cities that have advanced to the final selection stage.

The DNC has also placed South Carolina at the start of its 2028 presidential nominating calendar. This decision was part of their effort to show racial diversity, with significant Black populations in the early states. The final choice for the convention city will involve contracts and logistics reviews of Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia.

A DNC official mentioned that factors like partnership with local leaders, logistics, fundraising, and shared values were crucial in the selection process. Officials from the party’s Technical Advisory Group visited Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Philadelphia. Atlanta presented itself strongly as a strategic location, but it has not hosted the convention since 1988.

“At a time when Black electoral power is minimized, we need a party that galvanizes the Southeast,” Martin pointed out in the letter. He emphasized that the opportunity was lost to show a plan for the party’s future. Dickens concluded with a desire for leadership that understands the importance of proactive engagement with southern voters.