— Eight years after Democrats descended on Charlotte for their 2012 national convention, Republicans will do likewise in 2020.

The Republican National Committee voted unanimously Friday to name Charlotte as the host city for its national convention, when President Donald Trump is expected to be nominated for a second term.

"Congratulations, Charlotte," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said after the vote. "We are so thrilled. ... We cannot wait to be there for the 2020 convention. I put on my Queen City pin in honor of your great, great city."

Charlotte beat out Las Vegas for the convention. Ron Kaufman, who chaired the RNC's Site Selection Committee, said his group pretty much settled on Charlotte as their choice when they visited the city earlier this summer.

"The more time we spent in the city, the clearer it became that this growing, dynamic city was a perfect setting [to] host a successful convention in 2020," Kaufman said.

"We could not be more excited," North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes said in a statement. "Today's announcement is a testament to the strong leadership in Charlotte that has followed a long North Carolina tradition of putting the needs and opportunities of our people before politics. We pledge to provide Republicans with the convention they expect, the state with the economic development it needs, the world with a true picture of the greatness of North Carolina and our citizens with a robust but respectful political debate that shows the goodness of North Carolina."

Some members of the Charlotte City Council had balked at the possibility of hosting the convention. They argued that Trump shouldn't be welcomed by Charlotte because of disparaging comments he's made about Latinos, women and other groups.

But pro-business Democrats, including Mayor Vi Lyles, voted with Republicans on the council in favor of the convention. They said the event will bring tens of millions of dollars into the city, boosting tourism and visibility on the world stage.

The 2012 Democratic National Convention had an estimated $160 million impact on the Charlotte economy.

"We have restaurants. We have a lot of rooms ready. So, I think, for the businesses, it would be amazing," resident Pam Cosper said.

"The DNC got crazy busy," said Victor "the Chili Man" Werany, who runs a food cart in downtown Charlotte.

Werany said he doesn't think he will work the GOP convention.

"At the moment, the tone is a little bit divisive, and I don't think, like, my being part of it is a great idea," he said.

Some residents expressed concerns about the potential for violent clashes between political protestors and counter-protestors in 2020.

"It exposes the city, but due to some of the political views of different people in the nation and how we are divided, there could be some different things that happen," Gary McMillion said Friday.

Lyles has said she is confident that law enforcement can keep the peace while allowing everyone their right to speak their minds.

"There is going to be a lot more security. I guarantee it," resident Chad Fleming said.

The host committee will have to raise $70 million to cover convention costs, said Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the state GOP. Security costs will covered by the federal government, he said.