Finalist cities, leaders react to 2020 DNC in Milwaukee

Miami Beach and Houston officials said they were disappointed after learning Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez selected Milwaukee on Monday as the site of the party’s 2020 presidential convention.

• MORE COVERAGE: Milwaukee Selected To Host 2020 Democratic National Convention
• Finalist Cities, Leaders React To 2020 DNC In Milwaukee
• Why Miami Beach, Houston Think Milwaukee Beat Them For DNC
• DNC's Milwaukee Decision Draws Praise From Some GOP Leaders
• Local Businesses Welcome 2020 DNC To Wisconsin
• Marcus Corp. Owner: Milwaukee Has Hotel Rooms Needed For DNC
• Republicans Say Milwaukee's Socialist History Makes It 'Obvious Choice'
• Democrats Say Choice Of Milwaukee Reflects Wisconsin's Importance
• Milwaukee Hopes To Shed 'Rust Belt' Label As DNC's Host City

The Miami Herald said Perez chose America’s heartland — and perhaps his heart — over the melting pot of Miami. Perez has deep ties to Milwaukee, marrying his wife there.

South Florida’s waterfront views, diversity, deep-pocketed donors and experience in hosting major events were strengths of Miami's bid, the paper said, but Perez chose to hold the party’s seminal event in Wisconsin, where Donald Trump shocked Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Houston officials, including Mayor Sylvester Turner, had courted the Democratic Party by pitching Texas as another battleground state.

In a statement published by theHouston Chronicle,Turner said he was "deeply disappointed" by the DNC's decision:

"Our bid brought together people from both major political parties, and from no particular party, to show that our welcoming city represents the demographic future of America — and has unmatched experience with putting on mega-events," Turner said. "As Houston has proven many times with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Astros World Series Championship parade, the Super Bowl and the Final Four, the nation's most diverse and fourth most-populous city is an effective host to the world, relying on great people from the private, non-profit, institutional and government sectors to unite and say 'howdy' in more than 100 languages."

Here is a statement from Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson:

"I'm glad Milwaukee will enjoy the economic boost from hosting the 2020 Democrat National Convention. As voters in a key battleground state, Wisconsinites will also get a first-hand look at Democrats' extreme policies that would reverse the economic progress made under the Trump administration. Understanding the risk of Democrat socialistic tendencies should provide motivation to re-elect Republicans up and down the ballot in November 2020."

Here is a statement from Fiserv Forum and Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin:

“We’re thrilled that the 2020 Democratic National Convention will be held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This selection is the result of an incredible collective effort to progress Milwaukee’s revitalization and status as a premier global destination. The state-of-the-art venue will offer best-in-class hospitality, technology and accessibility for the thousands of visitors coming to our city, making for a seamless experience throughout the entire event. We thank the Democratic National Committee for recognizing that Fiserv Forum and Milwaukee will provide the ideal setting for the Democratic National Convention.”

Here are some other reactions:

Excited for @milwaukee2020! pic.twitter.com/Y7IIO5fAop

— Tammy Baldwin (@tammybaldwin) March 11, 2019

Way to go Milwaukee....DNC 2020 #awesome pic.twitter.com/iShIxNdWHN

— WisDOT Southeast Region (@WisDOTsoutheast) March 11, 2019