Posted April 11, 2023 | by KimS | in 2024 Democratic Convention, 2024 Election, 2024 Presidential Election, DemDaily, Democratic Party

DemDaily: It’s Chicago! Home of the 2024 Democratic Convention

April 11, 2023

The Democratic National Committee announced today that Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention August 19 to 22, 2024.

The choice of the midwestern city, which last hosted the convention in 1996, is a nod to the critical role of the region's "blue wall" in the 2024 presidential election.

Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, which were crucial to President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election and to Democrats’ success in the 2022 midterm elections, are all must-win battleground states.

Chicago was selected at the conclusion of a rigorous selection process over the last year, beating out other finalists Atlanta and New York, and earlier contender Houston.

The Democratic National Convention is the formal event, held every four years, in which Party delegates and members convene to choose their nominees for President and Vice President. Over four days, the Party also adopts the official Democratic Party platform as well as the rules and procedures governing party activities. The Convention marks the end of the state primary election period in June, and the kickoff to the general election race, which will take place November 5, 2024 for our 47th President.

The Democratic National Convention is the formal event, held every four years, in which Party delegates and members convene to choose their nominees for President and Vice President.

Over four days, the Party also adopts the official Democratic Party platform as well as the rules and procedures governing party activities. The Convention marks the end of the state primary election period in June, and the kickoff to the general election race, which will take place November 5, 2024 for our 47th President.

“I am thrilled that Democrats will take the stage in Chicago to share our party’s vision and values," said DNC Chair Jaime 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."

In a statement, the DNC said, "Chicago’s convention bid was supported by a wide range of midwestern Democrats who represent the diversity of the party, demonstrating the formidable coalition that will help re-elect President Biden and Vice President Harris, and elect Democrats up-and-down the ticket."

With a population of 2.7 million, Chicago is the nation's third largest city, as well as one of its most diverse. According to the 2021 US Census estimate, Chicago's population is 32.9% White, 28.4% Latino, 28.1% Black, 6.8% Asian & Pacific Islander, and 1.1% Native American.

President Biden praised the decision, saying, “Chicago is a great choice to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. 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 Governor JB Pritzker (D), who won reelection in November 2022 with 55% of the vote, promised that Chicago would deliver an "unforgettable event highlighting our party’s vision...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.”

Pritzker, a billionaire who founded several several venture capital and investment startups, and whose family owns the worldwide hotel chain Hyatt, may have given his home city the edge by pledging to finance the convention through fundraising and his own wealth.

Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson, who won last week's April 4 Chicago mayoral run-off election, said "Chicago is a world-class city that looks like America and demonstrates the values of the Democratic Party. 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."

DemList will once again host the Democratic convention calendar, free to all to post and promote their events. The DemList Convention Calendar has served as the Party-recommended calendar and resource site for the last three presidential cycles. Follow DemList for all convention news and announcements!

DemList will once again host the Democratic convention calendar, free to all to post and promote their events. The DemList Convention Calendar has served as the Party-recommended calendar and resource site for the last three presidential cycles. Follow DemList for all convention news and announcements!

Republicans will hold their convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 15 to 18, 2024. Milwaukee was set to host the 2020 Democratic Convention but the coronavirus pandemic forced the event to be held virtually.