Councilman: 2020 RNC in Charlotte is all but guaranteed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte city councilman says the Republican National Convention is all but guaranteed to be in the Queen City in 2020.

A source told Channel 9 reporter Joe Bruno that Mayor Vi Lyles and four city councilmembers will be going to Austin, Texas for the RNC's summer meetings. The expectation is that the city will bring the 2020 convention back with them.

[MORE: Charlotte is finalist for 2020 RNC]

The city has been open about its desire to host the convention. A source told Bruno that Charlotte's strong bipartisan pitch for the event helped make them a frontrunner.

[RELATED: Could this mean Charlotte will host the RNC2020]

There has not been much community engagement on the city’s bid until now.

Councilman Braxton Winston (D-at-large), posted a video on Facebook Monday night saying he wants to hear what people think about hosting in two years.

He said the city would be hosting a brand of politics that has been divisive, and people should be able to weigh in on that.

“Should we take part in this economic investment for this city, or do we want to shun the political discourse and conversation that comes with an event like this?” Winston said in the video.

An RNC insider said the fact that the city is sending a large delegation to the Lone Star State is a great sign for Charlotte's chances.

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