(USNewsMag.com) – The Democratic National Committee will hold the 2024 Democratic National Convention August 19-22, 2024 in Chicago. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker was notified of Chicago’s selection April 11 by President Joe Biden. The convention will be held at the United Center, with some events being held at McCormick Place.
According to officials, Chicago edged out the competition in part due to the pledge by Pritzker who will finance the Democratic convention through fundraising and his own wealth.
It is expected the Democratic National Convention will attract about 50,000 visitors and draw 5,000 and 7,000 delegates and alternates to Chicago. The convention could bring $200 million into the local economy, according to figures that have previously been stated by current Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, who was elected the first week of April, originally pitched Biden on hosting the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Local and state leaders have also pushed to get Chicago to the front of the list.
Political and logistical considerations outweighed the gun violence in Chicago, which was a concern.
However, holding the convention in the pro-union city of Chicago could help Biden with his message of support for organized labor.
The Midwest is seen as critical to the DNC as the Midwest states helped Biden win in 2020. Democrats in both Michigan and Wisconsin support the choice of Chicago.
The two other finalists for hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention were Houston, New York and Atlanta, which was viewed as the closest competitor to Chicago.
This will be the first time the nominating convention has been held in Chicago since 1996 when the Democrats renominated Bill Clinton. This is the 26th time the Democratic National Convention has been held in Chicago, including the infamous Democratic National Convention held in 1968 when police and Vietnam War protestors clashed.
The 2024 Republican National Convention is scheduled to be held in July 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a month before the Democrats hold their convention.
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