Topline
The Republican National Committee will reportedly hold its 2028 convention in Houston, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel announced Friday—marking the first time in more than 20 years that the convention won’t be held in a battleground state and the first time since 1992 that Houston will host the event.
Chairman of the Republican Party Ronna McDaniel speaks during the first Republican Presidential … [+]
Key Facts
McDaniel announced its 168 members voted on the decision in Milwaukee on Friday during its summer meeting, according to multiple reports.
The site is an unusual choice for Republicans, who haven’t held a convention in a non-battleground state since 2004, when the party nominated former President George W. Bush in New York City.
The RNC made the early decision after changing its rules last year to begin the selection process six years in advance, in a move party officials said would allow it to secure venues and hotels before they were booked up.
Crucial Quote
“After a smart business decision made by the RNC last spring to allow us to select the next convention city earlier than ever, we are looking forward to seeing Houston in the spotlight come 2028,” McDaniel told Politico.
What To Watch For
The RNC’s 2024 convention will be held in Milwaukee July 15–18 and the Democratic National Committee’s 2024 convention will be held August 19–22 in Chicago.
Key Background
The presidential nominating process that takes place at party conventions in modern times is a formality intended to certify the presidential candidate selected by voters in the primary election and confirm the candidate’s running mate. Former President Donald Trump appears to be on track to again become the party’s nominee next year as he is currently polling nearly 40 points ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is in second place in polls. Houston, a blue city in a red state, was chosen over Dallas, Nashville, Miami and Jacksonville to host the 2028 event.
Further Reading
Republicans Choose Houston for Their 2028 Convention (The New York Times)
GOP to choose 2024 and 2028 convention cities (Politico)
RNC approves Milwaukee as 2024 convention host (Politico)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/08/25/rnc-hosting-2028-convention-in-houston-first-non-battleground-state-in-decades/