AUSTIN, Texas — Charlotte is poised to host the Republican Party’s 2020 presidential nominating convention.

The national GOP’s site selection committee voted behind closed doors Wednesday to recommend Charlotte, according to Republican officials with direct knowledge of the vote who were not authorized to address the situation publicly.

The chairman of the Robeson County Republican Party confirmed Charlotte’s tentative selection.

“It’s true. A panel voted today to hold the Convention in Charlotte,” Phillip Stephens said. “The larger Republican National Committee meeting will most likely accept the panel’s recommendation at their meeting in Austin, Texas, on Friday, which will make it official.

“We are appreciative for the support of the Charlotte City Council this week, which was part of that process. Their support contributes to the panel’s decision.”

A divided North Carolina city council voted 6-5 Monday to approve a bid to host the 2020 Republican National Convention. The vote came after a public discussion period with more than 100 speakers and nearly one hour of debate among council members.

Republican National Committee members from across the country, gathering in Austin this week, will decide whether to finalize the recommendation Friday.

The only other convention site finalist was Las Vegas.

Charlotte hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2012. North Carolina emerged as a swing state during President Barack Obama’s first run thanks to the state’s large African-American population, but Republicans narrowly won the state in 2012 and 2016.

President Donald Trump has already launched his 2020 re-election campaign.

Stephens
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Staff and wire report