Mitchell Says He and Pritzker Haven't Discussed 2028
Former Representative, former Deputy Governor, and Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, Christian Mitchell. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
Christian Mitchell, the former State Representative and former Deputy Governor who is JB Pritzker’s running mate for Lt. Governor in 2026, says he has never asked Pritzker if the Governor is planning to run for President.
In an interview with St. Louis television station KSDK, Mitchell is asked if Pritzker has told him directly if he plans to run for President. Mitchell, who would ascend to the Governor’s office if Pritzker resigns or dies, said “no.”
“He’s told me is running for re-election as Governor, and that he wanted me to be his Lieutenant Governor,” Mitchell, who is invariably on message, said. “He has always said, from the beginning, ‘You’ve gotta be ready to step in and do the job if, God forbid, anything happens.”
As a follow up, Mitchell was asked if he has asked Pritzker about his intentions and Mitchell said “no.”
The host replied “really?”
Mitchell said “really.”
When pressed again asking whether he should ask Pritzker about his plans Mitchell demurred.
“I think what’s important is whether or not we’re going to be good governing partners, and that’s what I intend to be,” he said. “I’m focused on Illinois. So is the Governor. But he is a national leader.”
We asked the Pritzker campaign if they wanted to clarify any of Mitchell’s remarks and they declined.
Republican Darren Bailey’s campaign mocked Mitchell’s responses on the topic.
“Acting like Christian Mitchell and JB Pritzker haven’t talked about a presidential run is laughable and frankly insulting to voters,” said Jose Durbin, Bailey’s campaign manager. “Illinoisans aren’t buying it.”
We sent the clip of Mitchell’s comments to multiple Democratic insiders Monday and asked for their response. We received thoughts ranging from “I believe him” to “yeah, right.”
One Republicans operative we spoke to, who is not tied to or supporting Bailey, was critical of Mitchell’s response.
“Don’t do sit down interviews if you can’t answer that reasonable question. They clearly just expect the adoring Illinois press not to call them on it,” the operative, who we allowed to remain anonymous to speak freely, said. “Come on, he’s running with the guy as his LG. The one job the LG has is to step up if the Governor can’t finish out the term. There’s no way it hasn’t been discussed in depth.”
While the interview was being taped, apparently, Pritzker was at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network cattle call for potential 2028 presidential candidates.
