With Biden out, Pritzker's DNC could be a wild ride
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Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during the WisDems State Convention in Milwaukee on June 8, 2024. Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Democratic Party of Wisconsin
President Biden has decided to end his re-election campaign, opening the possibility that other politicians — perhaps even Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker — could play a pivotal role in what's next.
Why it matters: Democrats are without a nominee just weeks before the Democratic National Convention, which starts Aug. 19.
Catch up quick: In a statement Sunday, Biden said, "I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work," and endorsed her in a second post.
Driving the news: The Tribune reported Pritzker would make an announcement Monday about his political future and cited an unnamed source that he "would be running for something."
- The governor has been in the mix as a contender for president — and is also considered a possible vice-presidential pick for Harris.
Meanwhile, Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is considering re-registering as a Democrat and entering the presidential race.
- Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, who challenged Biden for the nomination, called for a straw poll of delegates followed by a series of televised forums ahead of a vote at the convention.
Reality check: In the hours since Biden's bombshell announcement, Democratic leaders nationwide have begun closing ranks around Harris' candidacy.
- She has been calling Democratic officials to try to lock down the nomination, Axios' Hans Nichols reported.
Yes, but: While some Illinois Democrats have rallied behind Harris, state party leaders like Pritzker, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth have yet to endorse her.
The intrigue: After Biden's debate, Pritzker stopped short of ruling out his own run if the president dropped out.
- The billionaire could self-finance a shortened campaign and has been an aggressive Biden surrogate on the trail.
What they're saying: "As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump's potential return to the White House ... I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November," Pritzker said in a statement Sunday.
Zoom out: With Biden's endorsement, Harris receives support of the Democratic National Committee and access to his campaign war chest.
- "The historic progress Democrats achieved under the Biden-Harris Administration will still be central" to the planned convention, DNC chair Minyon Moore said in a statement.
What's next: Hold on to your straw hats. It could be a bumpy ride.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.