The 1996 RNC was the first presidential nominating convention to be held in San Diego , and the only Republican National Convention held in Southern California . ( The 1972 RNC was scheduled for the San Diego Sports Arena but relocated to Miami Beach , Florida , due to scandal . ) Indeed , San Diego 's bid had been considered unlikely to win . The SDCC was far smaller than its predecessor venues , the Astrodome in Houston and the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans , and its normal seating layout left several sections and skyboxes with obstructed views . Ardent lobbying by Mayor Susan Golding , who some named as a potential candidate for U.S. Senate in 1998 , and by Governor Wilson , himself to seek the 1996 presidential nomination , helped secure San Diego 's selection in 1994 . The San Diego Host Committee , " Sail to Victory ' 96 , " was organized on September 8 , 1995
1972 RNC
1972 Republican National Convention
1996 Republican National Convention