The 2024 Democratic National Convention may be headed to Chicago as Illinois Democrats push to host the event, according to numerous reports.
A report from CBS News cited Democratic sources in the state, which said that Governor J.B. Pritzker, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot are leading the pitch to host the convention.
Duckworth holds weight in Chicago's bid to host as she is the Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Not only is Chicago a Democratic hub located in the Midwest near three battleground presidential states — Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin — but it has also shown the ability to host large events, all of which are reasons behind the push.
The potential bid to host the convention was also confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday. Democrats shared that while it is early in the process, the city is being seen as a real contender, NBC News reported.
Tarrah Cooper Wright, the CEO of Rise Strategy, a firm supporting the potential bid, shared more with CBS on the consideration to be the host city for the event.
"Our city and state—a vibrant and diverse metropolis, thriving suburbs, and strong rural communities—offer proof that our party's policies deliver for American families, and a convention would provide a boost to the local economy," Wright said.
The last time that Chicago hosted the convention was in 1996. However, it is most notably known for hosting the 1968 convention when violence against protestors broke out.
The process for selecting the next host of the DNC began in July 2021 when over 20 cities were sent letters from the Democratic National Committee, but no steps have been taken beyond that, NBC News reported.
Other cities being eyed by the committee include Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Milwaukee, according to CBS News. Milwaukee was set to host the 2020 convention canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for the 2024 Republican National Convention, the RNC is down to two finalists, Milwaukee and Nashville. The decision is expected to be made within the coming months.
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