All eyes will be on Chicago next summer as the Democratic National Convention brings thousands of delegates and visitors to the city in an event that will culminate with the choosing of the party's presidential nominee.
The event is scheduled to take place Aug. 19-22, 2024 at the United Center.
The Democratic National Committee said the decision came as the Midwest continued to be a "critical Democratic stronghold," with Chicago topping bids from Atlanta and New York.
“Chicago is a great choice to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “Democrats will gather to showcase our historic progress including building an economy from the middle out and bottom up, not from the top down. From repairing our roads and bridges, to unleashing a manufacturing boom, and creating over 12.5 million new good-paying jobs, we’ve already delivered so much for hard working Americans – now it’s time to finish the job.”
Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth said Chicago's "union labor advantage, hotel capacity” and the city's location played key roles in its selection over other cities.
“We’re right in the middle of the battleground states," she told NBC 5 shortly after the announcement was made.
Republicans last year chose Milwaukee in swing state Wisconsin for their 2024 national convention.
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Chicago last hosted a convention in 1996.
Last year, officials announced a bid to bring the convention to the Windy City once again, with a video announcement accompanied by endorsements from top Illinois Democrats, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
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“The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will welcome people from across the nation to an unforgettable event highlighting our party’s vision for lifting up working families and those who too often have been left out and left behind,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Our great global city and its diverse communities, unparalleled hospitality, and world renowned venues shows off the best of America and its people represent the heart of our country.”
Lightfoot said the convention will create "once-in-a-generation opportunities for job creation and business growth here in our city." Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, who will be in office at the time of the event, said he looks forward to working 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."
