MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Republicans have officially awarded Milwaukee the hosting rights for their 2024 National Convention.
“Milwaukee is a world-class city, and we are eager to see it shine in the spotlight come 2024,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in a press release. “I look forward to working with the members of the Republican National Committee, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, the Milwaukee Host Committee, and Visit Milwaukee to deliver an incredible convention for our Party and nominate the next President of the United States.”
Mayor Johnson added that Milwaukee is “ready to show the world what a great destination we are for conventions and tourism. We look forward to the positive economic impact of the Presidential nomination convention, and, as the host city, I am confident all the attendees will find Milwaukee to be a splendid location for the event.”
This marks the second consecutive Presidential election cycle in which Milwaukee will host a major party convention. Fiserv Forum was also scheduled to host the Democrats in 2020, but that event ended up simply originating from the Milwaukee Convention Center with the majority of delegates and other guests making virtual appearances through videoconferencing technology. That included Presidential nominee Joe Biden, who gave his acceptance speech from his home in Delaware.
Milwaukee won the hosting rights over Nashville, who had offered up Bridgestone Arena and the surrounding convention space for the event but later backed out after some on the Metro Council expressed concerns over hosting a political convention in today’s divisive climate.
Salt Lake City, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh also submitted bids. Kansas City withdrew theirs before finalists were announced. The RNC eliminated the other two after site visits in early 2022.
Milwaukee is now the first city to host a major party convention in consecutive election cycles since New York City hosted the Democratic National Convention in both 1976 and 1980.
