With Biden out, Pritzker's DNC could be a wild ride
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.

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.
