Ryan Nicol
On Friday, Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez is set to tour Miami-Dade County, to assess the area as a potential host for the DNC 2020 convention.
Miami-Dade has been named one of three finalists to host the Democrats’ nominating convention in 2020, along with Milwaukee and Houston.
Originally, Miami Beach was set to play sole host if the area was selected. But the newest proposal shows the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County would share in the hosting duties.
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, who is co-chairing a committee to raise money for the potential convention, said Perez’ visit was timed during Art Basel to showcase the area’s ability to host an influx of visitors.
“He’s going to actually see the city function during a huge international weeklong event,” said Levine, according to a report from the Miami Herald.
The Herald reports Perez will visit Miami Beach’s new convention center, as well as the AmericanAirlines Arena located in downtown Miami.
The Republican Party has already selected Charlotte, North Carolina as its 2020 convention host.
To help the Democrats make their final selection, Perez visited Milwaukee this past Monday, and will tour Houston late next week.
“These three dynamic and energetic cities have each put forth impressive bids to host the 2020 Democratic convention,” said Jess O’Connell in comments to The Associated Press.
O’Connell previously worked as the party’s chief executive officer and is aiding Perez during the selection process.
“We appreciate their work and look forward to next steps in the process,” O’Connell added.
Perez’ latest trips to the finalist cities are expected to the party’s last. Perez has said he would announce the host sometime in early 2019.
