RNC Chair Announces Jacksonville, FL as Host City for GOP 2020 nominating convention

Republican National Committee
Press Release
June 12, 2020

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel announced today that Jacksonville, Florida has been selected as the host city to celebrate the re-nomination of President Donald J. Trump. The selection of Jacksonville comes after Governor Roy Cooper refused to provide assurances that this celebration could occur in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion in the great city of Jacksonville,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trump’s heart as his home state, but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020. We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State in just a few short months.”

The RNC’s Executive Committee has voted unanimously to allow the official business of the national convention to continue in Charlotte. But, because the current North Carolina COVID-19 restrictions would not allow for the celebration to occur in Charlotte and Governor Cooper would not work with the RNC to offer guidelines, the celebration of the nomination and the economic impact that goes with it must be moved to Jacksonville.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry have been very welcoming, and we look forward to bringing a safe and exciting celebration to Jacksonville and the surrounding area.

“Florida is honored to host this special event where we will celebrate the re-nomination of President Donald J. Trump,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “Jacksonville is a great city that will showcase Florida’s energy, facilities, entrepreneurship and commitment to bring together the delegates of the Republican Party at a historic time in our nation’s history.”

“Today’s announcement is a huge win for the City of Jacksonville to host the celebration of President Trump’s acceptance of the nomination,” said City of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “The opportunity to highlight all our city has to offer and the tremendous economic impact is one I enthusiastically welcome, and we look forward to hosting an exciting event for all delegates and guests to enjoy.”

The celebration of the re-nomination of the President will take place at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

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Peggy Bulger
Trusted Member
Peggy Bulger(@peggy-bulger1949gmail-com)
3 years ago

This is just unbelievable that anyone would think that this is a good idea. Coronavirus cases are again surging in Florida, and Trump is so full of himself that he’s insisting on a full house, no social distancing and masks are optional. Is he so egotistical that a big adoration party is worth a few thousand lives? Oh, by the way, you’ll need to sign a waiver and not sue the Trump administration if you contract COVID-19 after attending this insane mass gathering.

Personally, I am leaving town before the big sick-out comes and I’ll stay away until two weeks after the convention leaves. Shame on Lenny Curry and Ron DeSantis for bringing this danger to locals here in Northeast Florida.

Bruce Smyk
Bruce Smyk (@guest_57866)
3 years ago

Two presumptions – The Ritz-Carlton & The Omni will be sold out. Second – the whole island will be infected within 2 weeks.

Stock up for 3 weeks in August and never come out.

Mark Tomes
Trusted Member
Mark Tomes(@mtomes)
3 years ago

The press release by the RNC is a bit disingenuous: NC Governor Cooper offered very clear guidelines on what would be allowed and not allowed at the mass gathering, but the RNC, and in particular President Trump, could not abide by them; that is why they moved the nomination and celebration parts of the convention. Because of contractual obligations and because the RNC could abide by the pandemic rules for the business aspects of the convention, those parts will still be held in Charlotte. But the party is coming to Jacksonville! This will be a great opportunity to protest the tragedy that has been Trump’s presidency and the Republican assault on democracy.