(The Center Square) – Although J.B. Pritzker has chosen another lieutenant governor candidate from Chicago, the governor says he and his new running mate will work on behalf of the entire state of Illinois.
Pritzker and Christian Mitchell made their first campaign appearance as a gubernatorial ticket Wednesday in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, where current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton formerly served as state representative in Illinois House District 5.
Pritzker and Mitchell greeted customers and employees at Peach’s Restaurant and answered questions from reporters.
Despite offering voters another Chicago-only pairing, Pritzker said he would continue to work on behalf of the entire state as he said Mitchell did in the Illinois House.
“When you’re a state rep, you don’t just represent the people of your district. You also are voting on things that are good for people all across the state,” Pritzker said.
Mitchell served the nearby 26th Illinois House District in Chicago.
“When you are a state representative, the ‘state’ in your title matters, and I’ve been proud to represent the entire state. My first hearing when I was chair of the committee on economic opportunity was in Carbondale,” Mitchell said.
Pritzker launched his campaign for a third term with a rally in Chicago last week. Stratton announced plans to run for the U.S. Senate in April, one day after Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, said he would not seek a sixth term in 2026.
Illinois U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, and Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, have also entered the Democratic primary race for Durbin’s seat.
Although both men on the 2026 Democratic Party ticket for governor are Chicago Democrats, Pritzker said he and Mitchell would represent all of Illinois.
“Everywhere in the state of Illinois we have worked hard to lift people up. We’re going to continue to do that as a team,” Pritzker said.
Mitchell promised to travel around the state.
“I plan to go everywhere, be everywhere, meet people where they are on the town stoop, in a tavern, a bar, a coffee shop. I’m willing to go anywhere because my goal is to represent all of Illinois as your next lieutenant governor,” Mitchell said.
Pritzker is seeking his third term as governor in the 2026 election. It’s speculated he may seek the 2028 Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States.
