"We could not be more proud:" Local leaders celebrate DNC's choice

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The July 2020 Democratic National Convention will be held in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum.

“490 days and this place will be hopping,” DNC Chair Tom Perez said during Monday’s official announcement at the arena.

Milwaukee beat out Houston and Miami to secure the bid.

“As a city, we could not be more proud,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, said. “As a state, we could not be more proud.”

It was a decision the DNC Chair did not take lightly.

“Every single decision I make as DNC chair is motivated by one overriding concern,” Perez said. “How can we win elections and take back our democracy.”

Perez said Milwaukee, a working-class city, aligns with the Democratic Party’s values.

The convention at Fiserv forum is expected to bring 50,000 people to Milwaukee and have more than a $200 million economic impact.

“This is our chance to reintroduce the city on the international stage,” Alex Lasry, Bucks Senior Vice President, said.

While hosting the convention does not mean Wisconsin will vote blue in the next presidential race, Governor Tony Evers is optimistic

“I feel confident that having the convention here in Milwaukee, in the state of Wisconsin, will bring people not only to understand how great the state is but actually bring us a win in 2020,” Governor Evers said.

The DNC will be the first political convention Wisconsin has ever held.

“I guarantee you we will not disappoint,” Mayor Barrett said.