Indianapolis to host Young Democrats of America convention in 2019

Kaitlin Lange | IndyStar

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Indianapolis will host the Young Democrats of America annual convention in 2019 for the first time in the group's nearly 90-year history.

The Indiana Young Democrats, who bid for the national convention, said they expect over 900 attendees to bring in an additional $800,000 to Indianapolis during the convention slated for July 16-22, 2019.

Indiana hasn't hosted the convention in over 25 years, and has never hosted the Democrat National Convention.

The state doesn't have a strong Democratic presence — only one Democrat, U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, holds a statewide elective office — but the Indiana Young Democrats decided to bid to bring the YDA convention to Indiana after recent growth in the state organization.

Since January 2017, Indiana Young Democrats' membership has increased from 50 to 300 members and the group has grown from eight to 24 county chapters.

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"The Indiana Young Democrats have been working hard to increase our chapters, grow our membership, and support more young Democrats in running for office," said Derek Camp, president of the Indiana Young Democrats. "In 2019, we have the potential to make a huge impact by bringing the largest gathering of young Democrats in the nation to the Hoosier state."

The Young Democrats of America have over 150,000 members in 48 states and U.S. Territories. The last convention was held in Dallas, Texas.

YDA national committee members voted for the 2019 convention location during their meeting in Salt Lake City this past weekend. Indianapolis earned 102 out of 129 possible votes to secure the nomination.

“Our party is focused on building the bench and recruiting the next generation of Hoosier Democrats," said John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party. "We’re building the future right here in Indiana and the Young Democrats of America convention landing in Indianapolis just accelerates that momentum."

The announcement comes amid intense media attention over Donnelly's re-election bid. Political pundits have labeled his seat as one of the most vulnerable, as he faces Republican opponent Mike Braun.

Call IndyStar reporter Kaitlin Lange at (317) 432-9270. Follow her on Twitter: @kaitlin_lange.