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Biden Drops Out, RNC Concludes. Here's What Chicagoans Needs to Know.

Posted on July 22, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
City Cast Chicago staff

City Cast Chicago staff

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris watch Independence Day fireworks from the White House

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris watch Independence Day fireworks from the White House. (Mandel NGAN / AFP / Getty)

President Joe Biden has dropped out of the election. The announcement came Sunday, just days after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention and a week after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

City Cast

Loretto Fraud Scheme, Summer Storm Fallout, and RNC Begins

00:00:00

That’s a lot of national news to digest. Here’s what Chicagoans need to know.

What’s Next for DNC in Chicago?

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. It’s unclear how that will play out leading up to and during the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19–22. The convention is now technically open, but Biden’s endorsement is expected to carry a lot of weight, the Associated Press reported.

Following Sunday’s announcement, several Illinois politicians released their own statements, including Mayor Brandon Johnson who is endorsing Harris.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee July 15

Former President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee July 15. (Andrew Harnik / Getty)

Meanwhile, here’s what Illinoisans need to catch up on from last week’s RNC.

TX Governor: More Migrants Will Be Sent to Chicago

During a primetime speech, Gov. Greg Abbott criticized Biden’s immigration policies and committed to sending more migrants in buses to Chicago and other sanctuary cities. Abbott said he’ll continue to do so until “we finally secure our border.” Most of Chicago’s almost 45,000 migrants have arrived to the city via bus, according to city data.

State GOP Gets a New Leader

Kathy Salvi, an attorney from Mundelein, took the reins Friday of the Illinois Republican Party. A former U.S. Senate candidate, Salvi vowed to “make Illinois red again” at her first public appearance at the convention last week. Salvi is taking over the post from Don Tracy who was tired of intra-party fighting.

On a Lighter, Cheesier Note …

Illinois Republicans had a cheese sculpture of Trump on display. If there’s one thing Illinoisans know how to do, it’s dairy art. Just a few weeks until this year’s Illinois State Fair butter cow is unveiled.

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