RNC Announces Houston as Host City for 2028 Convention

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus bangs the gavel to start the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 27, 2012. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The Republican National Committee announced on Aug. 25 that Houston will be the site of the 2028 Republican National Convention.

The decision comes a year before the next GOP convention, which will take place at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the first GOP presidential primary debate was held on Aug. 23.

“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 RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in a statement.

“The entire RNC membership is eager to work with Governor Greg Abbott, Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Houston Host Committee, and Houston First Corporation to follow in Milwaukee’s footsteps by delivering an incredible convention for our Party,” she continued.

“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,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. a Republican, in a statement. ”Houston showcases all the things that make Texas great: a strong business environment, record-breaking job growth, and a hub of entertainment and tourism.”

Even the city’s Democrat mayor, Sylvester Turner, welcomed the move.

“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. This keeps us on the global stage, allowing us to showcase our amazing venues and the people who keep our hotels, restaurants, and local businesses operating,” he said in a statement.

“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,” Mr. Turner said.

“We’re excited to showcase that identity and Houston’s unsurpassed hospitality.”

While Texas is a red state, there has been an increasing number of Democrat voters in the state. In the 2020 election, now-President Joe Biden received just over 46.4 percent of the vote.

RNC Site Selection Committee Chair Anne Hathaway, a member of the Indiana Republican State Central Committee, said in a statement that this development is “the beginning of a successful partnership between the city of Houston, the state of Texas, and the Republican National Committee.”

A statement from Houston First Corporation President and CEO Michael Heckman touted the announcement as “a significant economic win for our city and an opportunity for Houston to shine.”

The Democrats, who are holding their 2024 convention in Chicago, have not announced the location of their 2028 gathering.