An RNC panel earlier in the week recommended Charlotte (pictured) over Las Vegas, citing its large number of hotel rooms, major airport and demonstrated fundraising ability. | Chuck Burton/AP Photo Charlotte to host 2020 Republican National Convention

The Republican National Committee has officially selected Charlotte, North Carolina, as the site of its 2020 Republican National Convention.

The decision, made Friday at the group’s annual summer meeting in Austin, Texas, marks the end of a yearlong search for the site at which the party will likely tap President Donald Trump for a second term.


“We look forward to seeing the Queen City take center stage as the Republican Party re-nominates President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to continue fighting for the American people,” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

An RNC panel earlier in the week recommended Charlotte over Las Vegas, citing the North Carolina city’s large number of hotel rooms, major airport and demonstrated fundraising ability.

“Charlotte has so much to offer, and we are excited to bring delegates to a city that has demonstrated its southern hospitality, showcased its vibrant energy, and proven that possibilities are endless,” RNC Site Selection Chairman Ron Kaufman said in a statement.

However, not everyone was on board.

The Charlotte City Council narrowly approved plans to host on Monday, with some members concerned over the largely Democratic city’s resistance to a GOP presence.

The last time the city hosted a political convention was in 2012, when Democrats gathered there to renominate former President Barack Obama.

However, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles painted the situation as evidence of the city’s “belief in acceptance.”

“I believe this convention conveys a positive message supporting our city’s belief in acceptance and inclusion,” Lyles tweeted Friday. “This is our opportunity to, once again, put Charlotte in the international spotlight to demonstrate the democratic process and two-party system that we deeply value.”

The RNC has yet to set a date for the convention. The DNC’s event, which will likely take place in Houston, Miami Beach or Milwaukee, will take place from July 16 to 20.