Chicago leaders push bid for 2024 Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO (CBS)-- Chicago is moving forward with its bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

City and state leaders came together Tuesday morning to talk about why Chicago is the best city to host the event, as officials from the Democratic National Committee's convention site selection team visit possible venues for the event.

Chicago is competing with New York, Atlanta, and Houston for the 2024 convention.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot was the first to speak at a press conference in the Fulton Market District. She started by saying Chicago is the only choice and place where the convention can shine.

"I just want to tell you, we are back, we are ready, and why not Chicago? And on top of all this, we welcomed more than 30 million visitors to our city. The prospect of welcoming an additional 50,000 visitors in 2024 is therefore as feasible as it is exciting," Lightfoot said.

 The mayor also said the convention would provide a significant economic boost for Chicago.

"The DNC convention generates $150 to $200 million into the local economy of the city its hosted in, and we expect that to be no different in 2024," she said.

Lightfoot said the convention being in Chicago also would help uplift women- and minority-owned businesses, which the city tends to partner with during big events; and, as the city recovers from the pandemic, the convention will help with that effort.

Gov. JB Pritzker said hosting the convention will bring thousands of jobs to Chicago.

Members of the DNC will be touring various locations in Chicago, including the United Center, O'Hare International Airport, and Millennium Park.

Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996, but is most well-known for hosting the 1968 Democratic convention, which was marred by police clashes against protesters.