FILE - Chicago's skyline is seen from the Guaranteed Rate Field before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski, File)

On Wednesday afternoon, Chicago, Illinois and national Democrats hosted a press conference about the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which will be held at Chicago’s United Center in August of 2024.

Several prominent politicians spoke at the event at the Shedd Aquarium, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) and DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison. Lightfoot spoke first, and she made it clear that Chicago was chosen over Atlanta and New York because of the Midwest’s role in recent presidential elections.

“We have said throughout this process that the road to reelection to the Biden-Harris for another term has to go through the Midwest,” Lightfoot asserted. “We’re happy that that message resonated, and we’re so grateful to the president for making this decision. But also, of course, we need to thank our great DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.”

The other speakers continued to reiterate the importance President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ reelection bid, which is expected but not yet announced.

“This convention, folks, will showcase our president and our vice president. But it will show the world what the Democratic party is all about,” Harrison said. “At the Republican announcement, they don’t have the diversity that you see right here at the Democratic announcement. We are America. And you will see America on full display when the President and the Vice president once again accept their nominations and course over to reelection.”

Everyone except Pritzker reiterated Biden and Harris’ reelection, which could be because he is toying with the idea of his own presidential run next year.

“It’s no secret that the Midwest is key to holding the White House and electing Democrat up and down the ticket in 2024,” Prtizker said confidently. “After all, Chicago and the entire Midwest looks like America and is the capital at the heart of the nation.”’

Johnson again pointed to his plan of investing in people when he was asked a question about public safety during the event.

“A better, stronger safer Chicago for the people of Chicago obviously is the work we will continue to build on,” Johnson responded. “As far as the convention is concerned, we’re going to collaborate and work with all the entities that are available to us to ensure a very healthy strong vibrant city. But as you all know, as the Governor has already expressed and what Mayor Lightfoot has articulated, safe cities are safe when we have investments. So, the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago is one of the embodiments of one of the best investments you can make.”

Johnson also joked that if he had to choose a player to emulate from the 1997 championship-winning Chicago Bulls to describe his role in getting the DNC, he would be Steve Kerr because he was tasked with and made the final shot of the NBA Finals.

This will be the first time since 1996 that the DNC will be held in Chicago. At that time, President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were nominated for a second time. The 2024 DNC will be Chicago’s 12th time hosting the event.