What to Know About the 2024 DNC, Convention Dates After Biden Withdraws

President Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid means Democrats must now quickly find a new nominee. The Democratic National Convention’s Rules Committee has scheduled a meeting Wednesday to discuss the process for choosing a new nominee.

While many within the party quickly backed Vice President Harris as the obvious nominee — as Biden did — Democrats have yet to make a formal nomination, either through a virtual vote that would determine a new nominee in early August or in an “open” convention.

What does Biden’s departure mean for the Democratic National Convention?

Biden’s exit from the race means the Democratic National Convention could have a bigger impact on the 2024 presidential election than expected. If a virtual roll call doesn’t show a clear majority for Harris, the party will likely hold a mini-primary at the convention. The convention could also serve as the venue for the formal announcement of a new vice presidential nominee.

“If the overwhelming delegations in the country want the vice president to be the nominee, I think we should go ahead and have a virtual roll call vote,” said Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party and a member of the rules committee. “If there is a big split, which I doubt there will be, then we should leave it to the convention.”

Democrats are likely to try to wrap up the nomination before the convention because some states have deadlines as early as August to get on the general election ballot, while early voting in some places begins as early as September, The Post reported.

When is the Democratic Congress?

The dates for the conference are August 19th through 22nd.

Where is the conference?

It will be in Chicago. Evening activities such as formal proceedings and prime-time programming will take place at United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Daytime events will be held at McCormick Place, the sprawling lakefront convention center, according to convention organizers. The Windy City hosted the 1968 Democratic National Convention — the last time the party was forced to choose a presidential nominee after an incumbent chose not to seek re-election.

Can anyone attend the conference?

Party delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories will attend the convention. The process for selecting delegates is the responsibility of the state parties and was scheduled to be completed last month. It is also possible to attend the convention as a volunteer, after passing a background check, for tasks such as ushering and coordinating transportation for guests.

How many people are expected?

The convention is expected to draw approximately 50,000 visitors to Chicago. An estimated 15,000 members of the press and approximately 5,000 delegates will attend.

Will it be an open convention?

If the party can’t come to a consensus on a new nominee before the convention, Democrats will have to hold a so-called “open” convention — their first since 1968 — in which candidates try to canvass for delegate votes. The potential for chaos is high.

Biden had the support of 3,896 pledged delegates before he dropped out of the race. His delegates will not be transferred to Harris based on his endorsement.

Who will be the Democratic candidate?

With Biden out of the race and Harris backing him, the vice president is the favorite — and many in the party quickly threw their weight behind her. On Sunday, party leaders from all 57 states and territories said they were backing Harris. Delegations from Louisiana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina also backed Harris, and a handful of top governors, including Gavin Newsom of California and Kathy Hochul of New York, threw their support behind her. At least 15 Democratic senators and 120 Democrats in the House of Representatives have thrown their weight behind the vice president.

Harris has said she will try to “earn and win” the Democratic presidential nomination. She has yet to win the support of some top party leaders, and her approval ratings largely reflect Biden’s slide since 2021.

Who else could replace Biden?

The names of possible alternatives to Harris that are being floated include: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, The Post reported. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been floated as a possible candidate in recent weeks, has now endorsed Harris for the top of the ticket. An adviser to Sen. Joe Manchin III (I-W.Va.), meanwhile, told The Post that he is considering re-registering as a Democrat to run for the party’s nomination.

Who is the chairman of the DNC?

Jaime Harrison, former leader of the South Carolina Democratic Party, currently serves as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In a rack Harrison posted on social media after Biden announced he would not seek re-election, saying Democrats would “engage in a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate” who can defeat Trump.

Harrison previously served as an adviser to Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), a Biden ally.

Harrison said he was “emotional” about Biden’s decision. “I still support my president. And we will get through this, my friends, as we always do.”

Molly Hennessy-Fiske and Patrick Svitek contributed to this report.