Former deputy governor Christian Mitchell was named Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new running mate Tuesday, but who is he and why could his selection hold extra weight?
Pritzker’s lieutenant governor pick has been highly anticipated amid speculation the governor could ultimately run for president during a potential third term. Should he win, his lieutenant governor would be next in line to lead the state.
Current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has already announced a run for U.S. Senate, a move Pritzker endorsed.
Mitchell is currently the vice president for civic engagement at the University of Chicago, but previously served as deputy governor during Pritzker’s administration, up until 2023.
As deputy governor, Mitchell oversaw the Illinois Department of Military Affairs. He worked on efforts like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and cannabis legalization. He also oversaw the state’s medical supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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 statement. “Whether it’s transforming our clean energy future, rebuilding our infrastructure, or keeping our communities safe, Christian has been a force behind so much of our progress. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to continue delivering results for the people of Illinois.”
Prior to serving in the Pritzker administration, the U of C graduate who also holds a law degree from Loyola University, spent three terms as a state representative and is a First Lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard.
“I am so excited to be joining J.B. in this moment because it is more critical than ever,” Mitchell said in a video released by Pritzker’s campaign. “We’ve made a lot of progress in the last eight years, but we have to protect that progress. And together, we will always stand up for Illinois.”
Mitchell began his career as a community organizer on Chicago’s South Side before becoming the first African American executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
Should he become lieutenant governor, Mitchell could be poised to make history in Illinois once again — though much would need to happen first.
If Pritzker embarks on a presidential campaign — and wins — Mitchell would then become Illinois’ first Black governor.
Pritzker officially announced he’s running for a third term as the governor of Illinois last week.
In a video posted to YouTube around 8 a.m. Thursday, Pritzker, standing at what he called the “center of Illinois” — in the city of Chestnut — said “Illinois is standing at the center of the fight.”
“The fight to make life more affordable. The fight to protect our freedoms. The fight for common sense,” he said in the video. “In every corner of our state I see people who want stability, who want the chance to get ahead, who want a fair shot. But in Washington, all they’re offering is chaos and craziness.”
Should Pritzker run for president and win, the line of succession goes as follows:
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General of Illinois
- Secretary of State of Illinois
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
