Campaign

Here’s who’s speaking at the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention is set to kick off Monday as Vice President Harris seeks to keep the momentum going for her party nearly one month after she replaced President Biden atop the ticket.

The convention, held in Chicago, will feature a host of speakers for the four-day event, ranging from current White House, congressional and state leaders to past presidents.

Convention programming will air live from the United Center in Chicago from 7 to 11 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, according to organizers.

Here’s who’s on deck to speak at the convention:

President Biden will kick off the convention Monday night. His opening remarks are expected to focus on the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, including their work on the economy, bringing the country back after the COVID-19 pandemic and defending democracy both nationwide and internationally, convention organizers said Sunday.


The president was originally slated to close out the convention before he withdrew from the presidential race last month.

First lady Jill Biden will also speak Monday night, focusing on the successes of the Biden-Harris administration.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) will address the convention Monday and welcome Democrats to the Windy City. He will speak about the ways in which Democrats are playing a vital role in securing freedoms and the future of the nation, organizers said.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), whose name was briefly floated as a potential running mate for Harris, will speak at the convention Tuesday. Like Johnson, he will speak about Democrats across the “Blue Wall,” per convention organizers.

Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will each deliver prime-time addresses to the convention, per organizers.

Former President Obama will address the convention Tuesday.

Former first lady Michelle Obama will also take the convention stage this week to shore up support for the Harris-Walz ticket. She will speak on the importance of civic engagement and voting, per organizers.

Organizers did not specify which day she is speaking, though Axios reported her address will be Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) will each address the convention at some point this week, as will second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) will deliver his vice presidential speech Wednesday, just weeks after he became the party’s official vice presidential candidate.

Vice President Harris will deliver her presidential nomination acceptance speech Thursday and close out the convention.

Convention organizers also announced Sunday its themes for each of the following days: “For the People,” “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” “A Fight for Our Freedoms” and “For Our Future.”