MILWAUKEE (WKOW) — Milwaukee officials estimate more than $200 million in revenue for Wisconsin when hosting the Democratic National Convention in 2020. It’s an economic boost and a number Governor Tony Evers said the state will benefit from years down the road.
“Wisconsin is a place where people have strong values and that is going play out for years,” said Evers.
The convention is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors in July 2020.
Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-4th) said she hopes to spread the convention’s economic impact statewide. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the city is ready to show off on “one of the largest stages in the world.” All leaders are hoping for thousands to visit before and after the convention and opening the possibility for people to come back and invest.
DNC Chairman Tom Perez praised Wisconsin for its diversity, labor unions and called it “ideal” to launch a fall campaign for the candidates who will compete against President Donald Trump.
“This I believe is the most important Democratic convention that we will witness in our nation’s history,” said Perez.
It will be the first time in over a century that Democrats nominate their candidate in a Midwest city other than Chicago. State and Milwaukee leaders discussed how they want to turn Wisconsin blue after Trump won it in 2016.
Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes pointed out momentum is building for the Democrats after 2018 when Democrats were elected to all five constitutional offices.
“If you look on the heels of 2016 was an example of how do we bounce back, how do we recreate American in a more positive image,” said Barnes
City and state leaders confirm no taxpayer dollars will be spent to host and pay for the convention.
The DNC will take place July 13th-16th 2020.
Republicans will host their convention the following month in Charlotte, North Carolina.
More at WKOW 27 News