Houston to host Republican National Convention in 2028

Houston will host the 2028 Republican National Convention.

Driving the news: The Republican National Committee hosted a meeting Friday to select the host city where the GOP will officially choose its presidential candidate for 2028.

• Houston beat out Miami and Nashville.

The intrigue: The convention will likely bring more than 50,000 visitors and a large economic boost to the city, according to the City of Houston, Houston First Corp. and the Houston National Convention Host Committee 2028.

• But, but, but: While officials estimate that the convention could have a $230 million economic impact, experts say that number is highly inflated, the Houston Landing reports.

Details: This month, Houston City Council approved a framework agreement for hosting the convention that ensures the city will provide the necessary services needed to host it.

• The city is expected to receive approximately $80 million to pay for security and related costs. Per the agreement, Houston is not required to spend any of its own funds for the event.
• City Council supported hosting the convention when Houston First Corp. submitted the bid in 2022.

Flashback: The last time Houston hosted a national convention for either party was 31 years agon

• Houston submitted a bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention but lost to Chicago.

What they're saying: "As the nation's most diverse and inclusive city, we believe Houston represents the future of the United States and our aspirations as a country. We're excited to showcase that identity and Houston's unsurpassed hospitality," Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement.

• "Houston is such a great American city, it showcases our party so well. It's the biggest city in Texas, and that's saying something," Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the RNC, said. "It's a perfect example of how our party is continuing to grow. We all know Hispanic voters have been shifting toward the Republican Party."

What's next: The convention will be hosted in the summer of 2028.