Kansas City withdraws as potential host of 2024 Republican National Convention

Kansas City has withdrawn from consideration to host the 2024 Republican National Convention as the city already has plans to hold other high-profile events in the coming years.

Mayor Quinton Lucas and Randall J. Landes, interim president and CEO of Visit KC, submitted a letter to the Republican National Committee on Nov. 8 announcing the decision.

Lucas had been invited to present Kansas City as a destination on Oct. 26 at the Interested Cities Day in Washington, D.C, the letter said.

“In follow up to our visit, and after further review of your request for proposal (RFP), we must regretfully and respectfully withdraw our destination, as a potential host city,” the letter said.

Kansas City has hosted the Republican National Convention twice — in 1928 and 1976. The 1976 convention nominated President Gerald Ford as the party’s candidate with Bob Dole being chosen as his running mate. Dole, who ended up becoming the presidential nominee in 1996, but lost to President Bill Clinton, died Dec. 5 at 98.

Before the 2024 Republican National Convention, Kansas City is set to host the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Kansas City is also trying to serve as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Seventeen U.S. cities are in the running for the 10 spots.

“Both events will require significant resources including staff time, fundraising and private and public support,” the letter said. “That said, we hope that Kansas City remains on the forefront of consideration as a future host city for 2028 and beyond.”