The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has chosen where its 2016 convention will be held: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The DNC had been deciding between various cities, including Brooklyn, New York and Columbus, Ohio.

DNC chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced on Thursday that Philadelphia had been chosen as the location for the 2016 Democratic National Convention, according to a press release from the party.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz signed the agreement with the city on Thursday as well.

"I am thrilled to announce that Philadelphia will host the convention where we will nominate the 45th President of the United States," Rep. Schultz said. "In addition to their commitment to a seamless and safe convention, Philadelphia's deep rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering. I cannot wait to join Democrats across the country to celebrate our shared values, lay out a Democratic vision for the future, and support our nominee."

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter welcomed the choice and is excited for the convention next year.

"We believe that it was our proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently with a dynamic team of top-tier professionals to organize and manage a conference of this magnitude, paired with our City's tremendous amenities, its accessible location and historical significance, which made Philadelphia the ideal choice for the 2016 DNC," he said, before thanking prominent Pennsylvania Democrats like former Gov. Ed Rendell and current Gov. Tom Wolf.

According to NBC Philadelphia, the city last hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2000.

The next convention will take place during the week of July 25 in 2016.

Rep. Schultz reportedly announced the decision after President Barack Obama agreed during a meeting in the Oval Office.

"The president enthusiastically signed off," a source said.

The choice is interesting as the party opted to choose a state and city that has voted Democratic for at least 20 years, whereas the Republican Party opted for Cleveland, in the swing state of Ohio.

This year, the City of Brotherly Love will also be hosting Pope Francis, who is making his first trip to the United States. The city will host the World Meeting of Families in September.

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