The Windy City beat out New York and Atlanta to host next year’s Democratic National Convention, which will take place at the United Center from Aug. 19-22, 2024.
President Joe Biden and Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison selected Chicago at the end of a rigorous site selection process led by DNC Director of Convention Planning Alex Hornbrook.
Late last year, according to the release, the DNC entered into contract negotiations with a final set of cities before selecting Chicago as the host city.
“Chicago is a great choice to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” said President Joe Biden in a statement released on Tuesday. “Democrats will gather to showcase our historic progress including building an economy from the middle out and bottom up, not from the top down.”
Ultimately, Chicago’s selection affirms how vital the Midwest region is to the party.
In a statement, the DNC cited the Midwest as a critical Democratic stronghold and said Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota were part of a “blue wall” that was integral to the “2020 victory of President Biden and Vice President Harris and to Democrats’ success in the 2022 midterm elections.”
“I am thrilled that Democrats will take the stage in Chicago to share our party’s vision and values,” said Harrison. “The Midwest reflects America and will give Democrats an opportunity to showcase some of President Biden and Vice President Harris’s most significant accomplishments for American families.”
As expected, news of Chicago’s selection elicited praise from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave to the fifth floor of City Hall on North Lasalle Street.
“I am deeply honored that President Biden and the DNC have chosen Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “I want to commend all the City government leaders who demonstrated with a proven track record of excellence that by choosing Chicago, the DNC, convention delegates, volunteers and others would be treated to a first-class experience in our world-class city. The DNC will create once-in-a-generation opportunities for job creation and business growth here in our city, and I’m proud that we got it done for the people of Chicago.”
Added newly elected Mayor Brandon Johnson: “I look forward to working closely with the DNC to facilitate a spectacular convention that showcases Chicago’s diverse culture, our beautiful lakefront, our renowned hospitality sector, and our best asset: our amazing people.”
