Chicago is making a determined bid to host the Democratic National Convention either in 2028 or 2032, with a high-profile event held Wednesday morning to bolster its campaign.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, accompanied by the Democratic National Committee host committee, gathered on the 94th floor of what was once the Hancock Center to advocate for the city’s selection.
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Governor Pritzker emphasized Chicago’s proven track record, stating, “In 2024, Chicago set the benchmark for political conventions. Despite challenges posed by Donald Trump’s divisive tactics, we’ve demonstrated our resilience and grit. Chicago is the ideal city to showcase the Democratic Party’s ability to fight and deliver for the American people.”
Over the past few days, committee members have explored the city to assess the developments since it last hosted the convention in 2024.
As part of their tour, they visited the soon-to-be-completed Obama Presidential Center and the United Center, highlighting Chicago’s readiness to host the event again.
Mayor Johnson expressed pride in the city’s diversity and unity, stating, “Chicagoans have always exemplified the best of our nation. Our city embodies the spirit of America, with a diverse coalition of talented Democrats uniting across neighborhoods, generations, and ideologies to improve our city every day. We eagerly welcome you back after our successful 2024 convention and hope to once again showcase the unmatched energy, hospitality, and spirit that only Chicago can offer.”
Democratic National Committee members wrapped up their three-day visit to Chicago with an architecture tour on the river, calling Chicago a city with grit.
The DNC chairman emphasized the importance of Midwestern values to represent the Democratic Party.
Illinois Democrats believe what can seal the deal to host another Democratic convention is the last convention.
“What I would argue is the most successful Democratic convention in our party’s history, which was held here in Chicago in 2024,” DNC Chairman Ken Martin said.
As he wrapped up his site visit to Chicago, Martin praised Chicago for pulling off a big success in 2024: one that generated $371 million in total economic impact.
“It put money in our workers’ pockets, and we paid it all with private contributions,” Pritzker said.
And it was a convention that broke even, as it did in 1996. While Pritzker is not ruling out the possibly of future conventions going into debt, his own contributions can help avoid that.
“I’m sure I would contribute; I don’t know what that amount will be,” the governor said.
Another generous donor will be Michael Sacks, a friend of the governor’s and of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Sacks is also a frequent target of Mayor Johnson’s because Sacks spent money to oppose the mayor’s head tax proposal.
“I would just say he’s a good civic leader in the city of Chicago who’s tried his whole career to support things that really matter to working people, and he’s a Democrat,” Pritzker said.
Chicago has hosted more Democratic and Republican conventions than any other city, and it is the only city to host back-to-back conventions three times.
Gone are the days of looking for a swing state location. The DNC says transportation, hotel capacity, restaurants, big donors and a city that represents Democratic Party values are important: so is strong union support. Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter spent the last three days hosting DNC members.
“I think Chicago is a great representative of where the party is at, and we are also the hometown of the modern convention,” Reiter said.
In all, there are five cities bidding for the DNC, including Boston, Denver, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
The committee still has to tour Boston.
Martin would not say when the committee plans to make a decision. But there is a good chance when they do, the announcement will include locations for 2028 and 2032.
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