Numerous Dems Say Mitchell "Perfect" Pick for Pritzker LG
Former State Representative and former Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell, Governor JB Pritzker’s choice for a 2026 running mate. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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Democrats around the state are publicly and privately praising Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement Tuesday he’s selected former State Representative and former Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell as his running mate next year.
Just five days after launching his own campaign for re-election, Pritzker announced he would run with Mitchell next year in a video and news release Tuesday morning. Mitchell, 38, served in the House from 2013-2019 and served as a Deputy Governor in Pritzker’s first term from 2019-2023. He is currently Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs at the University of Chicago.
“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.”
Mitchell was among early favorites considered to replace current Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, who is running for U.S. Senate.
The Illinoize spoke to more than a dozen Democrat insiders from around the state Tuesday and Mitchell’s selection earned near universal praise.
“He’s super smart and talented,” said former Rep. John Bradley, who served with Mitchell. “He’s a great choice.”
“I’m very excited for him, I think he’s going to be an excellent Lieutenant Governor,” said former Rep. Mike Zalewski, who was Mitchell’s seat mate in the House.
“If JB Pritzker wanted smart and capable, Christian Mitchell checks those boxes,” said one Democratic operative who asked not to be identified. “If he wants an attack dog, Christian can do that. But, most importantly, if he has to become Governor for some reason, everybody knows Christian can do the job.”
Some Democrats said Mitchell had a reputation for “ruffling feathers” or having “sharp elbows” while serving under Pritzker, especially with members of his own party in the legislature. A concern Zalewski didn’t share.
“In a lot of these instances, it’s designed for the Governor to be the ‘good cop,” Zalewski said. “Those deputy governor roles, for better or worse, they’re the gatekeeper, they have to make command and control decisions on policy, on personnel, on agency administration, and Christian’s portfolio during that time was very heavy. You cannot physically make everyone happy all of the time.”
Mitchell, who is black, brings racial diversity to the ticket, but at least one downstate lawmaker we spoke to said they would have preferred the Governor chose a running mate from south of Interstate 80.
“I think it just would have sent a message that there’s more to our party than Chicago,” the lawmaker said.
But, political consultant Pete Giangreco told the Chicago Tribune Tuesday Mitchell is well suited for the job.
“I don’t think there’s anybody who would be better able to step in and run the state than Christian Mitchell. He understands how the state runs. He’s been a legislator, he’s been an executive and he’s a great communicator. I think it was a really inspired pick,” Giangreco said.
