* Governor JB Pritzker…
Gov. JB Pritzker Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President
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.”
…Adding… The Democratic Party of Illinois…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez issued the following statement in support of our next president, Kamala Harris:
“The Democratic Party stands united in our belief that Vice President Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to lead our nation forward. Vice President Harris has demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership throughout her distinguished career. From her tenure as the Attorney General of California to her service as our Vice President, Kamala Harris has consistently fought for justice, equality, and the rights of all Americans.
The Democratic Party of Illinois is fully committed to mobilizing our communities in support of Kamala Harris. We recognize the historic significance of her candidacy and profound impact her leadership will have on our state and our country.
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.
Vice President Harris stands as our best chance to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Their radical agenda threatens to dismantle the progress we’ve made. We cannot allow their divisive and regressive agenda to prevail. We must protect our democracy, defend our rights, and uphold our Democratic values. As we move forward, the Democratic Party of Illinois is dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure Kamala Harris’ victory in November.”
* US Rep. Eric Sorensen…
With so much at stake between now and November 5th, we need a Democratic Presidential nominee who will lead with passion, empathy, and fire. Vice President Kamala Harris is that person. When we make our decision, we will vote for the leader who will take our country into her second 250 years.
Vice President Harris has the vision and the strength to do the most important work for the people.
Let’s go!
* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…
I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.
She is highly qualified, smart as hell and the best candidate to beat Donald Trump. Kamala Harris has been at the forefront of the fight for reproductive freedom, including prioritizing the crisis in Black women’s maternal healthcare. She has been a protector of the middle class and working families across the nation.
MAGA extremists wholeheartedly believe that a woman’s place is in the house. But as a champion for women, I join millions of others across our nation who know that a woman’s place is in the White House, serving in the highest office in our land.
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, said these words: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
Today, I am dreaming of the future I want my daughters to inherit. Kamala Harris is the best person to take us there.
Let’s get work!
* Senator Dick Durbin…
Proud to endorse my former Senate colleague & good friend, Kamala Harris. 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.
* Senator Tammy Duckworth…
* CNN…
Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi pledged his support to Harris “through this process” however, he said, he’s “open to whatever process the DNC has.”
* US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi…
* Lee Enterprise reporter Brenden Moore…
* Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch…
Throughout our history, strong women have built movements that united us, inspired change when we needed it most and called on our nation to continually pursue a truer vision of our founding principles. Kamala Harris has stepped up to continue this work, and I am so proud to offer her my full support. Democrats see the challenges our country faces, and we choose Kamala Harris to lead us forward. We choose Kamala Harris because we know that someone who has dedicated her career to justice is the right choice to stand up to a man who believes the law does not apply to him. We choose Kamala Harris because a champion for women and families is the right choice to hold the architect of the Dobbs decision accountable. We choose Kamala Harris because someone who embodies the power of unity is the right choice to defeat a demagogue who divides people to pursue his own power. When Democrats nationwide gather next month in Chicago, I will join Black House Speakers from Maine, Michigan, Maryland, New York, and Virginia for a celebration of diversity and unity that we call Black Excellence in Bleu.
There is no greater celebration of Black excellence than nominating Kamala Harris to lead our party forward. This November, we choose unity. We choose democracy, justice, and the rule of law. We choose women’s rights, voting rights, and civil rights.
And that is why we choose Kamala Harris to serve as President of the United States.
* Illinois Federation of Teachers…
Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced that he is not seeking reelection and is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris:
“This is an historic moment. As we navigate this critical juncture, we are proud to express our enthusiastic support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s candidacy. Our members are mobilized and eager to work tirelessly to secure her election — a critical step toward defending reproductive health, strengthening public education, improving healthcare access, and fostering an economy that uplifts the middle class.
“Vice President Harris’ vision is a blueprint for a future that champions inclusivity and prosperity for every American. Her vision not only seeks to protect our nation’s cherished values, but actively enhances them by paving the way for every individual to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
“We extend our profound gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unwavering dedication to the American people. He made significant achievements during his tenure, including transformative infrastructure projects, substantial investments in public education, and pivotal healthcare reforms. His leadership has not only revitalized these crucial sectors, but also restored dignity to the office of the President and preserved our democracy.
“As we look ahead with tremendous excitement and hope, let us remain united. The stakes have never been higher, as we continue to fight for the preservation of our human rights and the very fabric of our democracy. Together, we stand ready to support Kamala in creating a future that reflects the highest ideals and aspirations for every individual.”
- NotRich - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:06 am:
3rd term 2026 here I come.
- Suburban Mom - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:07 am:
That’s a lot of words to say “I didn’t have the votes”
- TJ - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:09 am:
Yup, he’s running for reelection in two years, barring a cabinet offer should Harris win. He was clearly planning to run for president in 2028, but that door seems shut if Harris wins, and running against Harris now would’ve assuredly earned him an enormous amount of ill will among African American voters.
But hey, stay on the good side of establishment Dems and core voting blocs, open the door for a cabinet gig if things go well this year, get an easy reelection in ‘26, and if Harris loses be one of the frontrunners for the Dem nomination in ‘28 still.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:19 am:
I think some sort or open process would have been a good idea. There is too much momentum around VP Harris now though. Better to be on the train than under it.
- Proud Papa Bear - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:21 am:
What TJ said.
Plus, keep the door open as Harris’s possible VP pick.
- Almost the Weekend - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:25 am:
This is unfortunate. Harris has accomplished nothing since she joined Washington DC, and can’t run on her record as a prosecutor in California.
There is a pathway for a non-beltway Democratic to win the Democratic Nomination in Chicago. Nobody has the courage to do it.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:26 am:
Good on him, many in his party for having the guts to speak out and the president for not being stubborn. Harris earned the nomination by serving as VP and winning in the primary on the ticket with Biden. By the convention Democrats should be united and ready.
- Former Downstater - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:32 am:
== There is a pathway for a non-beltway Democratic to win the Democratic Nomination in Chicago.=
Please show us that pathway.
- Levois - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:33 am:
This makes a VP pick for him more likely but she’s better off looking to candidates in other states. She has to get elected and let’s face it, Illinois is more or less a lock for the Democrats this year.
- Parlay Player - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:33 am:
VP Harris undoubtedly knew about President Biden’s cognitive declines over the past three years. As the VP and next in line to the Office of President, she had one of the biggest incentives (outside of President Biden) to keep those declines from the public’s view. Because those declines were kept under wraps for so long, all of the candidates that are more compelling than VP Harris are not in a position to make a viable run at the Office, and are instead just falling in line, like Gov. Pritzker. As the party falls in line with her, VP Harris is essentially being rewarded for her role in the deception of the public. To make matters worse, due to the strategic deception the Dems’ ticket is likely not as strong as it could/should be.
- Frida's boss - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:40 am:
Why is it a foregone conclusion Kamala is winning? Polling is bad throughout the country especially the rust belt states. If Trump wins JB campaigns for the next 4 years all over the country as the #1 for 28.
We are 105 days out and Obama hasn’t endorsed Harris. Will she listen to Obama the way Joe’s people did?
- Here and - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:43 am:
Pritzker could have cashed in thise iou’s from ohio and elsewhere he’s visited for a coalition of Midwestern delegates to be the Midwestern candidate. No path to the White House w/out it. But Harris moved lightning fast Sunday which made that an uphill battle. Democrats aren’t sold on Harris’s ability to win and winning is the key. Winning the upper midwest - that’s what this is about. Pritzker as VP would help win the Midwest.
- fs - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:44 am:
== There is a pathway for a non-beltway==
*was
The verb you are looking for is “was”
Once Harris announced she wanted the spot, and Biden endorsed her, the party really had no good options. She is not the best possible candidate to take on Trump, however choosing anyone else right now would split the party in two very late in the game. It’s a gigantic risk, that could cost them, but their options weren’t great. And Biden is to “thank” for that, by choosing to run in the first place instead of stepping aside earlier.
- SWSider - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:47 am:
I appreciate JBPs consistency. If there’s an important, controversial issue he loves to wait for that weather vane to show him which way the wind is blowing.
Once he saw everyone else backing Harris, he sure came around quick. Ol’ reliable
- Route 50 Corridor - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 9:50 am:
Lots of madness in the idea that Harris would tap Newsom or Pritzker to be VP. They don’t bring electoral votes to the table. Gov.Shapiro or Gov. Cooper would seem to be top tier choices using math. Then Gov. Beshear and Sec. Buttigieg, their states probably wouldn’t come into play, especially Indiana and Kentucky would be tough.
- Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:00 am:
“Harris has accomplished nothing since she joined Washington DC,”
Other than ride the coat tails of Obama’s economy and completely mishandle Covid, what did Orange Jesus do?
“There is a pathway for a non-beltway Democratic to win the Democratic Nomination in Chicago. Nobody has the courage to do it.”
Harris raised 45 million dollars, yesterday. Gonna need to see that pathway for an “outsider”.
- Save Ferris - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:04 am:
Now go get Mark Kelly as VP.
- Proud Papa Bear - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:05 am:
“Lots of madness in the idea that Harris would tap Newsom or Pritzker to be VP. They don’t bring electoral votes to the table. Gov.Shapiro or Gov. Cooper would seem to be top tier choices using math. ”
When’s the last time this has helped a candidate? Clinton/Gore? The last several successful Veeps have come from California, Indiana, Delaware, and Wyoming.
- Nick Name - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:07 am:
===There is a pathway for a non-beltway Democratic to win the Democratic Nomination in Chicago.===
What pathway? Also, you would disenfranchise the 14.4 million Democrats who voted for Biden/Harris in the primaries?
- Frida's boss - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:19 am:
Newsome can’t be VP he and Kamala live in the same state, same problem Trump/Rubio would’ve had. It’s why Cheney moved to Wyoming right before Bush was going to tap him for VP.
- ZC - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:22 am:
I read that statement by Pritzker as, “I am happy to skin the hide off of Donald Trump, every day, if selected as your VP.” But I agree it seems a longshot. This actually relieves me. He is a good governor, the best IL has had for a long while, and I’d like him to hang around a bit longer. He’ll have his shot in 2028 if Harris loses.
- Jerry - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:22 am:
Vice President Pence saw Trumps rapid cognitive decline first hand and yet chose to say nothing so please spare us all the hypocrisy about Biden/Harris.
- Larry Bowa Jr. - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:26 am:
“I think some sort or open process would have been a good idea.”
Oh boy, all the political ‘reporters’ would have loved that. So exciting! Think of the drama! All the blind sourced pieces about how much democrats hate democrats and golly, haven’t we told you about how much democrats are in disarray!?! And here’s why Johnny Unbeatable NEEDS to be the Dem nominee!
If your interest in this is more than entertainment you probably want to stay focused on winning a national election right now.
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:27 am:
JB makes the right call as usual. Hope he’s also opening his check book - the campaign needs to go big early and often between now and November. The VP choice will be key - got to get it right.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:29 am:
The wagons have circled. Harris will be the nominee. The democrats went from being horribly divided to almost as unified as the republicans. Good on them. Now there is at least a chance.
- sewer thoughts - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:29 am:
@Nick Name
I voted for Biden/Harris, but there was nobody else running. I didn’t get to choose between Harris and anyone else qualified for the job. This is a VP who dropped out in 2020 before any votes. And this is a Presidential candidate running against the inherent misogyny in the American electorate (before anyone jumps up in arms, this is a well-documented issue and is not up for debate)
I want to have Democratic policies enacted in the next four years, I don’t know that Kamala is the most effective person at doing that. I don’t even get the fig leaf of a primary now. Going to take a couple days to get over it.
- Spooky32 - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:39 am:
These are all the folks who were with Joe until they weren’t. Joe had a primary and people chose Joe. Then the primary voters were disenfranchised this weekend. Illinois Dems like Ducky voted for him. Now change the rules “for a chance.” Illinois voters are used to being disenfranchised. Just check out the “fair maps” that were drawn.
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:53 am:
Random thought showing my age … I’d love to have Mike Royko writing about all this.
- OneMan - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:53 am:
== VP Harris undoubtedly knew about President Biden’s cognitive declines over the past three years. As the VP and next in line to the Office of President, she had one of the biggest incentives (outside of President Biden) to keep those declines from the public’s view. ==
I am genuinely interested in how a Vice President should have brought that into ‘public view’. If anything, ‘the party’ should have been asking questions, but if the debate hadn’t gone so poorly, we wouldn’t have had this discussion.
- Demoralized - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:56 am:
==Illinois voters are used to being disenfranchised. Just check out the “fair maps” that were drawn.==
There’s always someone stepping up to play the victim. Today is your day apparently.
- Huh? - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:56 am:
“Harris has accomplished nothing”
She has performed her required vice presidential duties. What is there for her to do?
As far as the general election is concerned, ABR - anyone but a republican’t.
- TJ - Monday, Jul 22, 24 @ 10:56 am:
== Why is it a foregone conclusion Kamala is winning? ==
If talking about the general, who is assuming this? I think everyone assumes a tough campaign, but at the very least it’s par for the course for endorsements and campaigns to be positive, especially at the announcement stage.
As for the nomination…. yeah? It’s a foregone conclusion that she’ll win the Dem nomination, as the heavy hitters like Newsom and Pritzker have backed her, folks on the far left seemingly are backing the choice as well, the black caucus is behind her lockstep, so all that’s left are DINOs like Manchin that have more than burned any vestige of esteem among rank and file and establishment Dems. Who else can win the nomination other than Harris barring an enormous scandal or catastrophe?
2024 is now Harris vs Trump, and the only thing left to decide is if it’ll be Cooper, Shapiro, Kelly, or maybe someone else debating Vance at the veep debate.