Milwaukee recommended to host 2024 Republican National Convention

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Republican National Convention's site selection committee on Friday, July 15 voted to recommend Milwaukee to host the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC).

The full Republican National Committee will make the final decision Aug. 2-5. 

"Today, the Site Selection Committee voted to recommend Milwaukee to host the 2024 Republican National Convention and it is a testament to the forthright and professional behavior embraced by Milwaukee’s city leaders throughout the process. A final decision will be made by Chairwoman McDaniel and the full RNC in the coming weeks," said RNC Senior Advisor Richard Walters.

According to a news release from the Republican Party of Wisconsin, a Milwaukee convention would bring up to 50,000 visitors to the city and add $200 million to the local economy. 

Reaction below: 

“I have always known that Milwaukee is the perfect place for the Republican Party to hold its Convention,” said Milwaukee Host Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. “Wisconsin is a battleground state, Milwaukee is a fabulous city, and the people of Wisconsin are the best in America. We will have a blast and it will be a great way to start our work together so that the Republican Party and our great country can begin the beautiful process of electing a President of the United States.”
“We are thrilled that the site selection committee has recommended Milwaukee to host the 2024 National Convention,” said Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Paul Farrow. “The farmers, manufacturers, and families of the Badger State truly represent the heart of America, and we’re now a big step closer to showcasing all that Wisconsin has to offer. Watching the community come together in support of this bid has been inspiring. Gerard Randall and Reince Priebus deserve tremendous credit for leading this effort for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, VISIT Milwaukee worked tirelessly on the city’s behalf, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson and County Executive David Crowley supported our bid every step of the way. We look forward to hearing the final decision from Chairwoman McDaniel and the full RNC, and hopefully continuing our partnership to create a world-class event in Milwaukee.”

Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin released the following statement on the news: 

“As the Republican National Convention is expected to be held in Milwaukee, Fiserv Forum will significantly elevate its profile as a world-class major-event venue. In addition to creating a substantial economic impact for Milwaukee, the Convention will further demonstrate that our city and arena can successfully host enormous events en route to attracting other prominent events in the future.”

The pitch started last fall, leading Milwaukee into the final two, up against Nashville. And today, the incredible news was announced that Milwaukee is the last-one-standing.

"To be candid, I want to welcome the Republicans here. I want them to have a great time in the city. I want them to spend all of their money and put the eyes on the world on Milwaukee and then as a Democrat, I'm gonna campaign for President Joe Biden for re-election," said Milwaukee mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Some today wondering were why a GOP convention would choose a highly-democratic city.

"We know that we're a swing state that is gonna be integral to getting a Republican president back in the White House and that we hold on to good conservative values that we have," said Paul Farrow, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

The 2024 convention is expected to bring in $200 million, drawing some 45,000 people and 15,000 credentialed media.

"Who will show the world what a major convention in Milwaukee looks like and that it's not only possible, but it will be spectacular," said Peggy Williams-smith, president & CEO, Visit Milwaukee.

Former Governor Scott Walker among many toasting to Milwaukee and the RNC.

"Can't you tell by the smile on my face, I'm just thrilled," said Gerard Randall, 2024 RNC host committee secretary.

We're told Fiserv Forum, the expansion of the Wisconsin Center and all the hotels were big draws, the lakefront too because it offers a natural layer of security.

"So just in the span of about five months, we were able to make a pretty strong case that Milwaukee should be the destination for the 2024 convention," said Randall.

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce had this reaction:

"This represents yet another remarkable opportunity for the Milwaukee region, our businesses and our community."

The deal still must be approved by the Republican National Committee. 168 delegates will be voting on it when they meet in Chicago the first week of August, and you better believe Milwaukee will be sending reps down to be ready for what will hopefully be good news.

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