The Republican National Committee Moves Up Date for 2016 National Convention: Party to Choose Next Presidential Nominee in Cleveland, Ohio

Republicans hoping to take back the White House will head to Ohio early to crown their presidential nominee when the notoriously Democratic city hosts the GOP's four-day national convention starting July 18, 2016.

"The convention will be held significantly earlier than previous election cycles," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in statement according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. "[That would give Republicans] access to crucial general election funds earlier than ever before [and] give our nominee a strong advantage heading into Election Day."

Ohio's second-largest city was selected for the event in August, Fox 8 reports.

"We're excited to continue working with our partners in Cleveland, and we look forward to showcasing everything the city has to offer to our delegates and the world in 2016," Priebus said.

Moving the convention to July comes with a number of benefits for the eventual GOP nominee, CNN reports. The party will have more time to rally behind its candidate, and there will be less time for potentially divisive primary debates or a drawn-out primary calendar. Republicans had considered meeting as early as June before settling on the July date.

Priebus' efforts have drawn praise from fellow Republicans, and the GOP chairman is expected to be re-elected to a second term this week at a party meeting in California.

The host committee for Cleveland's Republican event, meanwhile, still need to raise an estimated $50 million to $60 million, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports. The city plans to work with the Secret Service to balance security needs with its desire to show off its downtown revival.

Traditionally, the party in control of the White House holds its convention after the opposition. For example, in late August 2012, Republicans convened in Tampa, Florida, and Democrats held their national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in early September.

Democrats have not yet announced when and where they will hold their 2016 national convention. The cities vying to host the event include New York, Philadelphia and Columbu, Ohio's capital and largest city. The Democratic National Committee is expected to make its pick in the early months of this year.