Standing inside State Farm Arena, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens couldn’t help but note that it was the same spot where tens of thousands of voters cast ballots in 2020 as a Democratic presidential candidate won Georgia for the first time in nearly 30 years.
“Something about this place is very special, and it needs to be honored and rewarded with the DNC convention in 2024 so that lightning can strike in a bottle twice,” said Dickens.
Atlanta is among four finalist cities vying to host the Democratic National Convention in 2024. Members of the selection committee wrap up their site visits with a stop in Atlanta Thursday and Friday.
Dickens says the economic impact of hosting the convention could be substantial.
“This could have a huge economic impact for not just that week and the days around that week, but then for years to come, as Atlanta continues to be on the national stage, the benefit can have a long-lasting timeline,” said Dickens.
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison says the choice of Atlanta, New York, Houston or Chicago will be tough, but that Atlanta has a lot going for it.
“Atlanta is a city that represents the Democratic party’s values. The values of diversity, inclusion and opportunity,” said Harrison.
Harrison, whose mother lives in Smyrna, also has fond memories of the last Democratic National Convention held in Atlanta. It was in 1988, when the Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered an impassioned speech.
“It was that moment when he told young people to stand up and to build the future that they want,” said Harrison. “That inspired me to get involved in politics.”
Harrison says a decision about 2024’s convention location is expected by late December or early January.
He says the outcome of this year’s mid-term elections won’t have an effect on the DNC’s selection.
Georgia features two high-profile contests this November: a rematch of the 2018 governor’s race between incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams, considered by many to be one of the Democratic Party’s brightest stars.
A race for U.S. Senate is also on the ballot for Georgia, featuring incumbent Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock and former University of Georgia football star, Republican Herschel Walker.
“Our momentum is only growing and voters and fired up and ready to get out the vote this November and turn our state even more blue,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, who also chairs the state Democratic Party. “We’re ready to show the country and the world that what happened last cycle, ya’ll, it was not a fluke”
