Supporters of an effort to host the 2020 Republican Party’s national convention in Las Vegas had to fold their hands Friday, amid an announcement that Charlotte, North Carolina had been chosen as the host city.

The Republican National Committee’s unanimous vote on Friday selecting the Queen City came despite a substantial push to select Las Vegas made by Nevada Republicans, including state GOP chairman Michael McDonald.

McDonald said he was disappointed by the news but respected the RNC’s decision. He said that hosting the convention would have been a “shot in the arm” for Las Vegas and businesses large and small, noting that the experience for party delegates would be “second to none.”

“I think Vegas is the much better site, but I am a good soldier,” he said. “It’s a tough one. We’ve never been this far.”

Las Vegas — which has never hosted a major party convention — was selected as one of two finalists back in June for the party’s convention site. But the city lost out to Charlotte, which hosted the 2012 Democratic Party convention, and national party officials were quick to praise the city.

“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. “I am confident the Queen City will be the ideal backdrop as the Republican Party continues its work to Make America Great Again.”

According to CNN, the Las Vegas bid was “complicated” by sexual misconduct allegations levied against former casino owner Steve Wynn, who resigned for his post as RNC finance chairman earlier this year.

McDonald said he would push for the RNC to consider Las Vegas for its 2024 national convention, pointing out that the later date wouldn’t brush up against the construction deadline for the planned Raiders Stadium’s projected 2020 opening.

Disclosure: Wynn Resorts has donated to The Nevada Independent. You can see a full list of donors here.