Gov. Pritzker tells Biden: Democratic convention in Chicago will be ‘huge party’

When President Joe Biden called Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday morning to tell him Chicago landed the 2024 convention, the governor vowed the city would “throw a huge party” to celebrate his successes.

The call came more than a year after Pritzker first pitched Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison on hosting the convention. Biden called Pritzker with the DNC news just before boarding Air Force One for Ireland.

Biden thanked Pritzker for “all of his support,” and told him, “I just want you to know we’re planning on having the Democratic convention in Chicago,” according to a source.

Pritzker said, “You know that Chicago is your kind of town. We’re going to throw a huge party, and it’s going to be a real big celebration of all of your successes.”

Since that call — and his arrival home to Chicago after attending events at Harvard — Pritzker has been glued to his phone. Traveling with Pritzker was Anne Caprara, his chief of staff, who used her own extensive contacts in the Biden orbit to lobby for Chicago to be the host city in 2024.

Pritzker told the Sun-Times he had spoken with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to thank them for their “representation” of the “Blue Wall” of the Midwest.

Chicago beat bids from Atlanta and New York.

Tammy Duckworth

More than 18 months ago, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a DNC co-chair, thought Chicago should pursue a 2024 presidential convention bid. “I got the ball rolling,” she told the Sun-Times. Once Duckworth decided Chicago should bid, she went to Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Pritzker, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and some business leaders. They “thought it was great. And then I asked them for money,” to put together a bid.

Said Duckworth, who has keynoted at three Democratic conventions, “It’s really been a team effort to get to this place where we got this successful announcement.”

Lori Lightfoot

When Harrison phoned Lightfoot — defeated for re-election on Feb. 28 — with the news about Chicago’s win, “I told him he made my day, week and year,” Lightfoot told the Sun-Times.

“Look, this is something that we’ve been working on for quite a long time. We tried to take advantage of every opportunity to really showcase our city and demonstrate why Chicago should be the choice for the convention. Lightfoot gave a hat tip to Duckworth because “she’s the person who brought this notion to all of us and lit the spark.”

Landing the Democratic convention while mayor is part of Lightfoot’s legacy.

Brandon Johnson

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson learned Chicago would host the convention when he got a call from someone at the White House on Tuesday morning.

Johnson, who will be sworn in as mayor on May 15, said he was so excited to get a call from the White House that he saved the voicemail “to make sure that my grandchildren hear it one day.”

Johnson, still absorbing the enormity of becoming mayor, reacted to Chicago landing the convention in personal terms.

“This is an exciting time. I mean, I was teaching middle school, you know, just a handful of years ago. I’m Mayor-elect and I’m getting a phone call from the White House — and that one of the most dynamic conventions known to humankind is coming to the city which just elected me,” he said.

“So I’m very, very excited, thrilled, humbled. It’s been a great ... team effort,” Johnson added.

Barack Obama

Said former President Barack Obama in a tweet, “There’s no place like Chicago! Michelle and I are thrilled to have the Democratic National Convention return to our hometown next year.”

GOP slams Chicago choice

As Chicago convention boosters were highlighting the logistical and political advantages of Chicago, national and state Republicans seized on the city’s crime woes.

Tommy Pigott, rapid response director for the Republican National Committee, said in a statement that, “Democrats just chose one of the worst-run cities in America for their convention: Chicago. Illinois.” Republican Party Chair Don Tracy said it’s no surprise the DNC chose Chicago, “where they can put the city’s failed far-left policies on display for the world to see.”

Asked whether the DNC questioned Chicago’s crime rate when considering the city as a convention site, Pritzker said, “They never challenged Chicago on that basis.” He said every major city saw a rise in crime during the pandemic — and cited improvements.

More 2024 Democratic National Convention coverage

Politics

Toni Preckwinkle unanimously wins another term running Cook County Democratic Party

Preckwinkle said she expects the Democratic Party will be united behind President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection.

By Kristen Schorsch | WBEZ Chicago

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Democratic convention events getting Chicago treatment with new hospitality vendors

Five event production companies, nearly all based in Chicago, will be throwing the official parties for the Democratic National Convention in August.

By Amy Yee

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

No cracks in Blue Wall? Top Democrats vow Chicago is ready for convention, despite party divisions

Democrats are deeply focused on Wisconsin and Michigan to help bolster President Joe Biden’s re-election chances — and officials, in town for meetings hosted by the Democratic National Convention Committee, say they plan on showing voters a deep party contrast.

By Tina Sfondeles

 

Movies and TV

Stephen Colbert to move 'Late Show' to Chicago for Democratic convention

The CBS fixture will be based at the Auditorium Theatre from August 19 to 22.

By Darel Jevens

 

City Hall

Council delays votes on migrant funding, $1.25 billion bond issue, ShotSpotter

Votes on $70 million to help migrants and the bond issue to fund housing and economic development now are set for Friday. The Council was, however, poised to approve a slew of other measures.

By Fran Spielman

 

Columnists

Democratic Party leaders meet in Chicago this week for pre-convention talks

In Chicago, the Democratic National Committee leaders will pick the members of the party’s platform, rules and credentials committees at the last party meeting before the August convention to renominate President Joe Biden.

By Lynn Sweet

 

City Hall

City Council committee OKs $750K settlement stemming from George Floyd protest

Ald. Brendan Reilly said he’s concerned paying a settlement to Bryan Mejia, who suffered a fractured leg and torn ACL, will invite protesters expected for the Democratic National Convention to wreak havoc, then bombard the city with lawsuits.

By Fran Spielman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

'Security footprint' plan for Democratic Convention kicked to City Council for Wednesday vote

Protesters, residents and other DNC observers would be prohibited from bringing laptops, large bags, scooters and other items into certain areas closest to convention attendees under a proposed ordinance.

By Mitchell Armentrout

 

Elections

Biden visits Chicago for fundraiser after pitching student loan relief in Wisconsin

Pro-Palestinian protesters greeted Biden outside the Drake Hotel on the Gold Coast, where the president had a campaign meeting before making remarks at the fundraiser.

By Emmanuel Camarillo and Cindy Hernandez

 

Elections

Biden heading to Chicago for fundraiser

A Chicago fundraiser for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is expected to collected $2.5 million for the Biden Action Fund, a joint fundraising committee consisting of the Biden for President operation and the Democratic National Committee.

By Lynn Sweet

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Media representatives to visit Chicago on May 22 for Democratic convention logistics briefings

This week, residents and businesses near the United Center and McCormick Place will receive briefings on how they will be impacted by convention security plans.

By Lynn Sweet

 

City Hall

Johnson chooses former State Sen. Pacione-Zayas as chief of staff, first Latina in role

Cristina Pacione-Zayas, having spent the last 11 months learning the ropes of city government as Rich Guidice’s top deputy, was the natural choice to replace Guidice.

By Fran Spielman

 

City Hall

Mayor Johnson backs Ald. Sigcho-Lopez in flag-burning controversy

The mayor made it clear he would not remove the City Council member for appearing at a rally where an American flag was burned to protest U.S. support for Israel.

By Fran Spielman

 

Elections

Pritzker sends Cook County Democratic Party $250K 'to turn out voters' in November

The funds will help target a big problem for a city opening its doors to President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Convention in August. Just 17.94% of registered voters in suburban Cook County and 25.7% of registered voters in Chicago voted in the March 19 primary.

By Tina Sfondeles

 

Politics

Pritzker heads to California to promote Illinois film industry, fundraise for convention and abortion rights

In between meetings with film and business leaders in California, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will fundraise for the Democratic National Convention Host Committee, including a reception in Los Angeles, and for abortion rights ballot initiatives in Arizona and Nevada.

By Tina Sfondeles

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Protest groups lose appeal to march near United Center during Democratic convention

The groups — both part of the Coalition to March on the DNC — filed for parade permits to march during the Aug-19 convention, but the city denied them, saying it would tie up traffic and require police officers it could not spare.

By David Struett

 

Elections

Is Chicago's tepid turnout a ‘warning sign’ for President Joe Biden in November?

Whether the city’s low voter turnout on Tuesday is a sign of apathy or dissatisfaction, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and key Democrats are downplaying the significance for President Joe Biden. But one leading pollster calls it a warning bell for other key Democratic cities: ‘These cities need to be engines of turnout.’

By Tina Sfondeles

 

City Hall

$52.75 million price tag? City Council OKs settlements tied to police abuse, wrongdoing

The largest of the settlements — for $45 million — goes to Nathen Jones, who suffered a massive traumatic brain injury after an unauthorized police chase. The settlements were approved at a Council meeting that also saw Mayor Brandon Johnson introduce an ordinance authorizing drawing of boundaries for a security footprint around the Democratic National Convention.

By Fran Spielman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Protests and peace — Chicago ready for demonstrators at Dem convention, but police won’t ‘tolerate violence'

“We want to make sure that we maintain peace,” Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said during a news conference Wednesday about this summer’s Democratic National Convention. “We’re going to police constitutionally.”

By Tom Schuba and Fran Spielman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

At Democratic convention in Chicago, perks for big Biden campaign donors include coveted credentials, hotels

When it comes to qualifying for perks — and this is true for Democrats and Republicans in past conventions — big donors can vault into the elite ranks either by direct giving or raising political cash. The Sun-Times has exclusive details on what is being offered to the Biden Victory Fund’s donors at this summer’s Chicago gathering.

By Lynn Sweet

 

Food and Restaurants

Palace Grill owner vows fire won’t be final chapter for historic West Side eatery that’s fed Blackhawks, big shots and beat cops

Owner George Lemperis said Friday the damage was extensive but that he plans to reopen: “They rebuilt the World Trade Center. I can certainly rebuild this.”

By David Struett and Kade Heather

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

City snafu allows protest at Democratic Convention’s front gate — when whole world is watching

The Poor People’s Army was granted a permit to march in August after the city failed to respond to its application within its own 10-day deadline.

By David Struett

 

Columnists

Pfleger demands DNC fund homes for Chicago’s unhoused before Democratic National Convention — or stay home

The legendary peace priest plans to lead a protest Feb. 15 demanding the Democratic National Committee set aside funds to house Chicago’s homeless residents. “Our message is simple: ‘No money put aside for the homeless: No convention,’ ” said Pfleger.

By Michael Sneed

 

Columnists

Left-wingers will not be ignored

Dems plan to crash Dem party in Chicago this summer to accuse fellow Dems of not being Dem enough.

By Neil Steinberg

 

Education

CPS releases 2024-25 calendar with Aug. 26 start date to avoid Democratic National Convention

Classes for the upcoming school year would begin several days later than the school year’s first days over the last couple of years.

By Mohammad Samra

 

Elections

Battle to keep Trump off Illinois primary ballot moves to state court

Objectors asked the court to move quickly and are hoping it will hear arguments as soon as Monday.

By Jon Seidel

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Can the world be watching? Abortion rights, LGBTQ+ activists want delegates to see them during Democratic Convention protest

The city has denied a group’s permit to hold a demonstration at Jane M. Byrne Plaza during the Democratic National Convention in August. A judge this week will decide whether an alternate route is acceptable.

By Audrey Hettleman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Marriott, Hyatt hotels at McCormick Place to be official Democratic convention headquarters

The West Building at the McCormick Place complex will be the site of many daytime convention-related activities such as party meetings and briefings.

By Lynn Sweet

 

Elections

DNC launches neighborhood ambassadors program to recruit volunteers throughout city

Organizers want 12,000 volunteers and to make sure Chicago’s neighborhoods see economic benefits from the Democratic convention.

By Mariah Woelfel | WBEZ and Tessa Weinberg | WBEZ

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Chicago’s FBI boss preparing for threats in unusual election year that brings Democratic convention to town

Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler Jr. has led the FBI’s fourth-largest field office for the past year. His team is prepping for Chicago’s DNC and the Republican convention in Milwaukee, 90 miles north.

By Jon Seidel