Pritzker announces Christian Mitchell as running mate
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Christian Mitchell. Photo: Courtesy of the University of Chicago
Gov. JB Pritzker has picked former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell as his running mate.
Why it matters: If Pritzker is reelected, Mitchell could be in line to take over if Pritzker runs for president in 2028.
State of play: Mitchell replaces current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on the ticket, since Stratton is running for U.S. Senate.
The big picture: Mitchell served as a deputy governor for Pritzker from 2019-2023, working on the state's capital plan and other big initiatives during Pritzker's first term.
- Before that, Mitchell was a state representative for the 26th district for six years, which included the lakefront and Hyde Park.
- He's currently the vice president of civic engagement at the University of Chicago.
What they're saying: "Christian Mitchell is a proven leader with deep experience, steady judgment, and an unshakable commitment to the working families of Illinois," Pritzker said in a press release. "I couldn't ask for a better partner to continue delivering results for the people of Illinois."
- "The governor has led with courage and compassion, and together we've built a foundation that's moving Illinois forward," Mitchell said in a statement.
Zoom in: While he was deputy governor — an appointed position inside the governor's administration — he helped push the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act across the finish line, which has become a signature piece of legislation for Pritzker and has catapulted Illinois to one of the leading states in clean energy.
- He is also credited with shepherding Pritzker's capital plan, plus taking a lead role in the state's medical supply chain during COVID-19.
- Mitchell was also integral in passing Illinois' legal recreational cannabis law in 2019, which focused on social equity.
Yes, but: The program stumbled out of the gate with court challenges and financial hurdles.
The intrigue: Mitchell was also the first Black executive director of the Illinois Democratic Party, under convicted politician Michael Madigan, although he wasn't Madigan's first choice. His history at the top of the party could help unify Democrats on the campaign trail.
Reality check: Mitchell has a long resume in Illinois politics, but he's never run for statewide office.
The bottom line: Mitchell joins a ticket that could win reelection, but also put him in a position to take over if the governor has his sights on higher office.