Politics
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Congressional Democrats Endorse Kamala Harris for President After Biden Steps Aside
Video: U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and U.S. Rep Danny Davis appear on “Chicago Tonight” on July 22, 2024. (Produced by Abena Bediako)
Gov. J.B. Pritzker stayed mum on his endorsement plans when news first broke that President Joe Biden was dropping out of his re-election race, but a day later the Illinois governor joined with other leading Democrats in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
In his statement, Pritzker said Harris has the best chance to defeat former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.
“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,” Pritzker said.
In a statement, Pritzker said Biden’s decision came as a surprise.
He said he told that to Harris when they spoke Sunday.
“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,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker, who has not ruled out presidential aspirations of his own, has served as a surrogate for the Biden campaign and worked to land the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Some saw Pritzker’s short delay in backing Harris as a sign he was going to mount a challenge. His initial statement Sunday didn’t reference Harris, and instead focused solely on praising Biden for his service and the importance of defeating Trump.
But in his statement Monday morning, Pritzker said it’s important for the U.S. to “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,” Pritzker wrote.
Pritzker, who is a year-and-a-half into his second term as Illinois’ governor, is often named on national lists speculating about potential Democrats able to step in as a presidential, or vice presidential, nominee.
His statement made no reference to any conversation with Harris or otherwise about jumping in as her running mate.
Shortly after Pritzker’s endorsement, the Illinois Democratic Party backed Harris, pledging the support of all 178 delegates.
“Vice President Harris’ platform reflects the values and priorities of Illinoisans, including expanding access to quality healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, addressing climate change, and ensuring economic justice for all,” said party Chair Lisa Hernandez.
Durbin’s statement, posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, was short.
“Proud to endorse my former Senate colleague & good friend, Kamala Harris,” it reads. “Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity & not MAGA chaos. VP Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years. Count me in with Kamala Harris for President.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) also endorsed her former colleague in a statement posted to social media, calling on the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris and “put ALL of our energy into preventing Trump and his MAGA allies from rolling back all the freedoms and progress we’ve made.”
U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Chicago, and Eric Sorenson, who represents the Quad Cities and Rockford, were the final members of Illinois’ Democratic congressional delegation to back Harris.
Krishnamoorthi’s endorsement noted the uncertainty now facing the Democratic Party.
“As we figure out the path forward to ensure an equitable nomination process, I look forward to doing my part to ensure she becomes the first female, first Asian-American, and first South Asian President of the United States,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement posted to social media.
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Chicago) expressed excitement for Harris’ candidacy.
“I think it’s off to the races, she’s ready to go,” Jackson said “I don’t see the downside. Frankly, she’s got three weeks to take a transition for putting some campaign staffers in that reflect her unique voice. And she should be given the best shot.”
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Chicago) said the next few months will be critical as the campaign leaps into high gear.
“So we’re pretty ecstatic that Vice President Harris is a candidate… it’s a great moment,” said Davis. “ … We’ve just got to make sure that we unite and go out and defeat Donald Trump.”
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch also backed Harris, noting that she would become the first Black woman to be elected president if she defeats Trump.
“There is no greater celebration of Black excellence than nominating Harris,” Welch said in a statement. “We choose unity. We choose democracy, justice, & the rule of law. We choose women’s rights, voting rights & civil rights.”
WTTW News reporter Abena Bediako contributed.
