GOP picks Charlotte, North Carolina, for 2020 convention

The Republican National Committee has selected Charlotte, North Carolina, as the host city for its 2020 convention, The Associated Press reported Friday.

Charlotte previously hosted the Democratic convention in 2012. North Carolina, a critical swing state that narrowly voted for President Trump in 2016, will inevitably see thousands of activists and members of the media, and some Charlotte leaders said they also expect demonstrators to turn out to protest Trump. "We recognize and are prepared for the tremendous responsibility of welcoming 35,000 visitors to our community," said Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Tom Murray.

Charlotte City Council members were reportedly torn on whether to approve the convention, with some worrying that welcoming the GOP would represent an endorsement of the Trump administration. The RNC ultimately preferred Charlotte over Las Vegas, another finalist, because leaders thought Sin City's reputation and proximity to casino owners who donate to the party would distract from the convention. Read more at The Associated Press.

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