Watch Now
NewsLocal News

Actions

Finalist cities, leaders react to 2020 DNC in Milwaukee

The Democratic National Committee selected Milwaukee to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention in July.
Posted
and last updated

Miami Beach and Houston officials said they were disappointed after learning Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez selected Milwaukee on Monday as the site of the party’s 2020 presidential convention.

The Miami Herald said Perez chose America’s heartland — and perhaps his heart — over the melting pot of Miami. Perez has deep ties to Milwaukee, marrying his wife there.

South Florida’s waterfront views, diversity, deep-pocketed donors and experience in hosting major events were strengths of Miami's bid, the paper said, but Perez chose to hold the party’s seminal event in Wisconsin, where Donald Trump shocked Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Houston officials, including Mayor Sylvester Turner, had courted the Democratic Party by pitching Texas as another battleground state.

In a statement published by theHouston Chronicle,Turner said he was "deeply disappointed" by the DNC's decision:

"Our bid brought together people from both major political parties, and from no particular party, to show that our welcoming city represents the demographic future of America — and has unmatched experience with putting on mega-events," Turner said. "As Houston has proven many times with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Astros World Series Championship parade, the Super Bowl and the Final Four, the nation's most diverse and fourth most-populous city is an effective host to the world, relying on great people from the private, non-profit, institutional and government sectors to unite and say 'howdy' in more than 100 languages."

Here is a statement from Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson:

"I'm glad Milwaukee will enjoy the economic boost from hosting the 2020 Democrat National Convention. As voters in a key battleground state, Wisconsinites will also get a first-hand look at Democrats' extreme policies that would reverse the economic progress made under the Trump administration. Understanding the risk of Democrat socialistic tendencies should provide motivation to re-elect Republicans up and down the ballot in November 2020."

Here is a statement from Fiserv Forum and Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin:

“We’re thrilled that the 2020 Democratic National Convention will be held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This selection is the result of an incredible collective effort to progress Milwaukee’s revitalization and status as a premier global destination. The state-of-the-art venue will offer best-in-class hospitality, technology and accessibility for the thousands of visitors coming to our city, making for a seamless experience throughout the entire event. We thank the Democratic National Committee for recognizing that Fiserv Forum and Milwaukee will provide the ideal setting for the Democratic National Convention.”

Here are some other reactions:

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Report a typo