Report: Charlotte, Las Vegas 2 cities left in the running to host Republican National Convention

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — RNC officials have narrowed down their list of finalists for the convention in 2020 to two cities, Charlotte and Las Vegas, according to a report by the Nevada Independent.

The report cites an RNC official close to the process.

The initial group was narrowed down to three last month, but an unnamed city in Texas is now apparently out of the running.

[RELATED: Charlotte is finalist for 2020 Republican National Convention]

Political experts told Channel 9 Charlotte has an advantage because there are fewer distractions. Charlotte’s airport and strong bipartisan support are also propelling the city as a front-runner.

The committee has a long list of requirements for a potential convention site, which would presumably be at the Spectrum Center if Charlotte is chosen.

For example, the committee wants the final city to have 17,000 hotel rooms. The $70 million price tag would come from fundraising.

The Queen City stands to gain upwards of $200 million if it hosts the convention.

Charlotte’s success with the Democratic National Convention in 2012 could work in the city’s favor. It brought in 35,000 visitors and $163 million for the economy. It was the largest event in the city’s history at the time. CMPD and other agencies benefited from federal grants that paid for new equipment they still use today.

Channel 9 has learned the committee should make a recommendation by Aug. 1. The final choice, though, will be up to President Donald Trump. That should happen by the end of the summer.

Cox Media Group