Pritzker Won't Seek Democratic Nomination, Endorses Harris
Gov. JB Pritzker at a ribbon cutting in April. Pritzker announced he Monday he wouldn’t seek the Democratic nomination for President after President Biden dropped out Sunday. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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After President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris Sunday, it seemed there was a narrow path for Governor JB Pritzker to seek the Democratic nomination for President. The whole Democratic Party coalesced pretty quickly around the Vice President. On Monday morning, Pritzker endorsed Harris.
Now, the question is, does Governor Pritzker want to be Vice President?
You saw Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear doing some morning TV today trying to audition, so we’ll see if the Governor pops up on MSNBC in the next few days. Or, if you’re a billionaire with an ego (and that’s not a shot, every politician has a healthy ego), who clearly has White House ambitions, do you want to play second fiddle to someone who may very well lose and tank your chances in 2028? Then there’s the whole 2026 thing.
The Governor did not appear in public Monday, so the media didn’t have the opportunity to ask him about the process.
Here’s Pritzker’s statement, released at 9am:
Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States:
“I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.
“Since I launched my first campaign for Governor in 2017, I have made it clear in virtually every political speech and statement the absolute necessity of beating Donald Trump at the ballot box. Donald Trump is a convicted felon, liable for sexual assault, and a congenital liar. He is a man wholly unfit for the office of the presidency both in character and temperament. We must defeat him and his MAGA allies at every level this November.
“When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Biden’s selfless decision came as a genuine surprise. I have worked hard during my time as Governor of Illinois to try and bring a sober and mature approach to decision-making. It’s important to be thoughtful about what’s next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. I am also cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention.
“Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans From protecting women's rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear. She represents our Party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that.
“Before I was elected Governor of Illinois I served in leadership roles for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns. I worked hard for Hillary Clinton because I thought she would be an incredibly qualified and capable President. I also felt it was important that this country finally elect a woman to the highest office in the land. I am endorsing Kamala Harris for President and will work hard to get her elected because I believe that she is the most qualified and capable person to be President. I also think it’s past time we shatter that highest and hardest of glass ceilings and finally elect a woman as President of the United States.”