Businessman Ted Kellner named an honorary chair of the 2020 DNC in Milwaukee

Bill Glauber
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee businessman and philanthropist Ted Kellner has been named an honorary co-chair of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Ted Kellner, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who has often supported Republican candidates, is taking on a new role as an honorary chair of the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee.

"From the start, he has been an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of the convention bid, as he knows this will help us reintroduce Milwaukee to the world," Alex Lasry, honorary finance chair of the host committee, said Thursday.

"This is another demonstration that when our public, private and philanthropic communities come together, we can take Milwaukee to the next level," added Lasry, a Milwaukee Bucks executive.

The Milwaukee Business Journal first reported the news and said that according to sources Kellner will contribute $500,000 to the convention and will help raise additional funds.

In July 2018, Kellner hosted a Republican fundraiser featuring President Donald Trump at The Pfister Hotel.

But last summer, Kellner contributed $2,800 to former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Early on in his business career, Kellner was posted to Delaware where he befriended Biden.

Kellner has also contributed to other local Democrats.

The convention's honorary chairs are a mix of business, political and civic leaders. They include local leaders like Bud Selig, Sheldon Lubar and John Schlifske and Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore are co-chairs of the host committee.

The convention will be held July 13-16.