CHICAGO — Chicago has been selected to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Chicago last hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1996 at the United Center. In 2020, the convention was in Milwaukee.

It will be held Aug. 19-22, 2024. The Sun-Times reports that evening events will be at the United Center and daytime business will be conducted at McCormick Place.

Illinois Dem. officials have been pushing for Chicago to be selected since fall 2021.

Chicago beat out bids from Atlanta, New York and Houston. The Sun-Times first reported the news.

Back in 1996, delegates danced to the Macarena as President Bill Clinton easily secured a second nomination. Less than 30 years before then was infamy. At the 1968 Democratic Convention held in Chicago, demonstrators battled police in the streets.

In 2023, a progressive mayor-elect will play host.

“Labor and civil rights have come together in a very critical moment in our nation’s history,” Johnson told WGN News. “I’m going to work to ensure that every single neighborhood benefits from the attraction, the attention that our city is receiving.”

The outgoing mayor, the city’s first Black woman openly gay leader, had a pivotal role in the courtship.

“We know how to come together as a city, government and the private sector, to make sure that we can pull off large-scale events which we do as a matter of course,” Mayor Lightfoot said.

Republicans will be hosting their convention beginning on July 15 just a little north in Milwaukee.

Chicago’s hotel and restaurant industries look to capitalize on the city hosting 2024 DNC

With Chicago set to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, local business stands to benefit big time.

“One of the big things is [Chicago’s] hotel inventory and the quality we have so many rooms available downtown in close proximity to where the events will take place,” said Michael Jacobson, head of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association.

In Chicago’s central business district alone, there are more than 150 hotels with 45,000-plus rooms.

When it comes to the food industry, there are more than 7,300 restaurants citywide, which includes 26 Michelin-starred restaurants and annually hosting the James Beard Awards.

“I say we’re the culinary capital of the US,” said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “I don’t care what they say in San Francisco, or shall I say New York or Atlanta, because we beat them out.”

Those involved in the bidding process to host the 2024 DNC said they expect the event to generate between $150-200 million.

“You look at political stakeholders, media we’re going to have a week’s worth of coverage with the beautiful Chicago skyline in the background,” Toia said. “It’s going to have a lasting impact to change a lot of people’s minds and perspectives about how great of a city it is here in Chicago.”

Official Statements regarding Chicago hosting 2024 DNC

“Chicago is a great choice to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” said President Joe Biden. “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.”

“The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will welcome people from across the nation to an unforgettable event highlighting our party’s vision for lifting up working families and those who too often have been left out and left behind,” said Gov. Pritzker. “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.”

“Chicago is a world-class city that looks like America and demonstrates the values of the Democratic Party,” said Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson. “We are unmatched when it comes to hosting events of this scale. 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.”

“I am deeply honored that President Biden and the DNC have chosen Chicago,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “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.”

“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. I’m grateful to the leadership of Chicago’s bid for being great partners, as well as to the other cities for putting forward such strong bids.”

“We look forward to the DNC’s convention where their radical agenda will be on full display for the world to see. Voters will soundly reject whichever out-of-touch liberal the Democrats nominate in Chicago and instead elect our Republican nominee as the next President of the United States,” said the Republican National Committee.