Dems choose Chicago for 2024 convention, snubbing Atlanta
Biden says he "plans on running" in 2024
Democrats have chosen Chicago as the site of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This comes despite an aggressive push from officials across the south to hold the event in Atlanta.
The four-day convention, which is where President Joe Biden is expected to be easily renominated for a second term, is set to be held from August 19-22, 2024. It is expected to draw tens of thousands of delegates and visitors to the Windy City.
Biden said Monday that he plans to run for re-election in 2024 but he is not ready to make an announcement yet.
Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison said that he looks forward to Democrats taking the stage in Chicago “to share our party’s vision and values.”
“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,” Harrison said in a statement.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushed hard for Chicago and pledged to dip into his own personal fortune to help cover the cost of the event. He and several other midwestern Democrats, from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) signed onto a letter urging Biden to choose Chicago. “When the future of the country hangs in the balance, we cannot afford to overlook the Midwest,” they argued.
The announcement is no doubt a disappointment to many of the southern Democrats who lobbied Biden to choose Atlanta. U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn all told Biden that Georgia is the reason why he is the President of the United States.
But observers pointed out that Illinois, unlike Georgia, has assault weapons bans and several unionized hotels. Workers’ rights remain an essential part of the Democratic platform, especially in the midwest.
Georgia Democrats say that the news is difficult, nevertheless. “This is obviously disappointing news,” said Cobb County Democratic Party chairman Erick Allen. “Georgia voters have time and time again come out to support Democrats locally and nationally. Hosting the convention would have been a great reward for all of the hard work.”
Republicans will be holding their convention in nearby Milwaukee.