CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Queen City is poised to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.

  • Official vote expected Friday
  • Nevada GOP officials say Charlotte is in favor to host the event
  • Mayor Lyles expected to be in Austin Thursday

Nevada GOP Chairman Michael Mcdonald says the RNC site selection committee voted to recommend Charlotte as the 2020 city host Wednesday morning.

 

From the start, North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes says he felt optimistic about Charlotte's bid for the event.

"They put in a tremendous bid and they deserve to win. Looking forward to what we hope is official recognition on Friday of Charlotte," he said.

Chairman Hayes believes the bipartisan effort led by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles made the difference. The recommendation comes just a few days after a close Charlotte City Council vote and contentious public forum about the bid.

Regardless of political party, Hayes believes the city and state will come together.

"So, I think its to everyone's advantage to demonstrate to the country and the rest of the world what a great job Charlotte, north will do once again," Hayes said.

After the bid is finalized later this week, Mecklenburg County Republican leaders say they're ready to go with 50 people on a bipartisan host committee.

"We have to recruit 5,000 volunteers to host the convention. The convention is about a week long, but it will take two years to plan," Sarah Reidy-Jones with the Mecklenburg County Republican Pary said.

Mayor Lyles and four members of city council will be in Austin Thursday. We're told they'll have a meet and greet with RNC members.

The official announcement will take place Friday. At that meeting, about 168 members will vote, and two-thirds of those GOP members need to vote yes to officially approve Charlotte as the host city.