NC GOP chair: RNC still on for Charlotte despite uncertainty over COVID-19

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Republican National Convention in Charlotte and the North Carolina GOP convention are on as scheduled later this year for now despite uncertainty over the new coronavirus, the state party's top leader says.

In an open letter to state Republicans over the weekend, party Chairman Michael Whatley said the Republican National Committee "is firmly committed to moving forward" with the quadrennial convention set to be held in late August. It's there that President Donald Trump would formally accept the GOP nomination.

Whatley said the RNC is working closely with governments to determine whether any changes to the convention scheduled are needed.

Whatley also said the state GOP convention slated for mid-May in Greenville is still on, but the schedule or venue could be changed depending on COVID-19 developments.

Otherwise, the state party’s county conventions that are yet to be held will be conducted by teleconference, while district conventions will be held using both online and teleconference activities, Whatley wrote. District convention participants can seek to be presidential electors or national convention delegates.

The North Carolina Democratic Party announced late last week that it also intends to hold “virtual” county and district conventions, subject to approval by the Democratic National Committee.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

© 2020 Cox Media Group