Chicago To Host 2024 Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO — As the nation readies for another Presidential election in the fall of 2024, Chicago will be in the thick of the political action when the city hosts the Democratic National Convention.

The Democratic National Committee on Tuesday announced that Chicago had been selected as the site of the convention, which will take place Aug. 19-22 at the United Center. Chicago was selected, the party said, because it is part of the “Blue Wall” that includes Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan and is a “Democratic stronghold” that was crucial to the election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020.

The city was sponsored by a wide range of Democrats who the party said represents the diversity of the party and demonstrates the “formidable coalition” that will help re-elect Biden and Harris, the DNC in a news release.

“The region will showcase President Biden’s economic agenda that is rebuilding our roads and bridges, unleashing a manufacturing boom, and creating good-paying, middle-class jobs,” the DNC said. “Chicago has already felt the impact of Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $144 million” to revitalize four local bridges.

Chicago was in competition for the convention along with New York and Atlanta, but Biden made the final call.

“Chicago is a great choice to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” the president announced.

"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.”

Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said in a statement that 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,” said Johnson, who pitched the city in a phone conversation with Biden after last week’s runoff election.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker both praised Biden on the pick. Pritzker referred to Chicago as a "great global city and its diverse communities, unparalleled hospitality, and world-renowned venues that shows off the best of America and its people represent the heart of our country.”

"I am deeply honored that President Biden and the DNC have chosen Chicago," Lightfoot said in a statement. “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.”