Houston has been selected to host the 2028 Republican National Convention, beating out rival cities Miami and Nashville.
The Republican National Committee’s (RNC) 168 members chose Houston in a vote on Friday.
“After a smart business decision made by the RNC last spring to allow us to select the next convention city earlier than ever, we are looking forward to seeing Houston in the spotlight come 2028,” said Ronna McDaniel, chair of the RNC, according to a press release.
McDaniel thanked Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who each released statements praising the RNC’s decision.
“I am proud to welcome the 2028 Republican National Convention to Houston — one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, a thriving center of economic development, and a cultural leader of Texas,” Abbott said, per the press release. “Houston showcases all the things that make Texas great: a strong business environment, record-breaking job growth, and a hub of entertainment and tourism.”
Turner said the RNC’s decision would help keep Houston “on the global stage” and allow the city to showcase its hospitality industry.
“Houston is a special events city; we know how to host a major convention. We are proud to be chosen as the site for the 2028 Republican National Convention. … 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. We thank the RNC for selecting Houston to host the 2028 Republican National Convention,” said Turner.
Texas has hosted the RNC twice before, once in Houston in 1992 and once in Dallas in 1984.
Real estate developer Ira Mitzner led the city’s bid committee. He lobbied for the city to host the convention along with the Houston First Corporation.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) praised the decision on Twitter.
“Texas continues to be a model for the nation of individual freedom, conservative values, and economic growth, and there’s no better place to experience all the Lone Star State has to offer than the Bayou City,” Cornyn tweeted.