Governor JB Pritzker announced that experienced government leader Christian Mitchell will join the ticket as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Mitchell, a former three-term state representative and current First Lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard, served as Deputy Governor for over four years during which time he was a principal force behind the transformative $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan and the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The campaign released a new video, Meet Christian Mitchell, highlighting the announcement.
“Christian Mitchell is a proven leader with deep experience, steady judgment, and an unshakable commitment to the working families of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to continue delivering results for the people of Illinois.”
“There is no one who fights harder for working families than Governor JB Pritzker and I am deeply honored to be his choice for Lieutenant Governor,” said Christian Mitchell. “The Governor has led with courage and compassion, and together we’ve built a foundation that’s moving Illinois forward. I’m ready to build on that progress—lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and making sure every community has the resources and opportunities they deserve. This is about delivering real results for the people of Illinois, and I’m excited to get to work.”
Christian Mitchell began his career as a community organizer on Chicago’s South Side, before going on to serve as a state representative and the first African American executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. As a Deputy Governor from the start of the Pritzker administration to 2023, Christian oversaw a portfolio that included infrastructure, energy, and public safety.
During his tenure, Christian led efforts on core administration priorities including passing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which made Illinois a leader in clean energy. Christian was also a key force behind Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital plan in state history, and cannabis legalization with a nation leading social equity framework. Through the COVID-19 Pandemic, Christian oversaw the state’s medical supply chain, leading on everything from procuring supplies from overseas to ensuring hospitals and frontline workers had the tools they needed to save lives.
After overseeing the Illinois Department of Military Affairs as Deputy Governor, Christian commissioned and now serves as a First Lieutenant and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate in the Illinois Air National Guard. He also serves as Vice President for Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago, where he oversees government relations, civic partnerships, and business diversity initiatives to drive equitable growth on the South Side and across the region.
- Thing one - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:04 am:
Christian is a great pick that speaks to the desire to inject some youth into the party. He’s serious and works hard. Great pick and a great number two who can step up when he needs to. Excited to see where he takes the office and how he makes it his own.
- Socially DIstant Watcher - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:13 am:
Solid choice, but why hold this back for less than a week? Why not announce the ticket when he announces the third term bid? This seems like a wasted news cycle.
But Mitchell *is* a great choice.
- What - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:17 am:
Disappointing the governor didn’t put geographic diversity into his choice. He bypassed several talented suburban and downstate Democrats.
- Tweedle - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:18 am:
You hold it back because two news cycles is better than one. It’s called earned media strategy. But on to the pick… great choice. Christian is well respected and knows government inside and out. That’s the kind of experience you hope to find in a solid number two. Congrats.
- *ducks* - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:21 am:
“It’s called earned media strategy”
Because the campaign lacks the resources for paid media. /s.
The sequencing is a bit strange. Another guess is yesterday’s marker by the Latino Forum made it clear this can’t drag out.
- sewer thoughts - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:26 am:
a pick with an eye towards a smooth transition, certainly. the politics of 2030 though? fascinating.
- Paul Powell - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:28 am:
We have made a lot of progress in the past 8 years????
This is year 6 of the Pritzker administration
Amateur hour
- HCMcB - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:28 am:
“Because the campaign lacks the resources for paid media”
Earned is better than paid, and not just because of the cost savings.
- Dirty Red - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:29 am:
Good pick. I know Christian to be a good man who knows the inner-workings of state and local government and shares the Governor’s enthusiasm for victory. They will make a great pair.
- Observerrr - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:33 am:
Great pick by JB and a sign that he knows what the future of the party should look like. I’ve worked with Christian over the years and can say he’s incredibly smart and dedicated to public service.
- SAP - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:42 am:
Ugh
- Bob - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:44 am:
==The sequencing is a bit strange. Another guess is yesterday’s marker by the Latino Forum made it clear this can’t drag out.==
He got three questions about it at his bill signing yesterday, totally losing the bill story. They didn’t want this to be the only question over the next month.
- City Man - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:53 am:
By all accounts this pick will be great. But the Governor, and by extension Democrats, missed an opportunity to do something different.
- Chicago Voter - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:56 am:
I would have guessed he was a long shot choice.
- Chicago Voter - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:56 am:
I would have guessed he was a long shot choice.
- Bored Chairman - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:56 am:
Christian Mitchell’s tenure as Deputy Governor was an unmitigated disaster. IDOT and the Tollway were poorly managed and scandal plagued under his watch. His reputation is about as poor as any public official in the State of Illinois. But at the end of the day, it’s the Governor’s call and JB must see something in Christian Mitchell that no one else does.
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:04 am:
==- Socially DIstant Watcher - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:13 am:==
The news cycle moved on from the governor’s re-election and now it’ll be back on the governor’s re-election.
- Osborne Smith III - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:13 am:
I could have sworn that Andy Manar was going to be the pick. Frankly, I’m disappointed that it wasn’t.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:18 am:
Finally, a pension reformer on the team.
- TJ - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:19 am:
Don’t really know a lot about the guy, but at least at first glance he doesn’t seem odiferous or with major baggage, so can’t complain too much. Would’ve preferred he go for a bit more geographic diversity and/or picking a woman running mate to balance the ticket. Choosing someone that was formerly part of the administration but is no longer part of it seems a bit odd, as it’s one foot in the claim that his administration has earned another term while another foot tapping someone from the outside but being awkward in both regards?
- low level - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:22 am:
JB4L - JB4Life
- Oklahoma - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:23 am:
Christian was definitely the best option there. He was always the bulldog the Governor sent into the fight. Not a lot of bulldogs in the party right now.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:27 am:
This certainly isn’t a choice that I would have expected or made but it does protect the Governor’s bubble and limits the possibility of anyone new being brought into the fold with their pesky new ideas, fresh perspectives, and criticism for how things have gone over the last six and a half years.
At a time when I am hoping to see the Governor’s team grow this choice bodes poorly for my hopes.
- low level - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:27 am:
JB 62% next fall
- Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:47 am:
I don’t like the choice, I don’t see him as an effective Gov should JB step down. That is a real concern this term…
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:51 am:
disappointed that geographic diversity is not a part of the plan.
- 38 Year Old 1st Lts. Are Hard to Find - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:55 am:
JB waited because he wanted to poll and focus group test the choice.
Then he went and picked a hothead who picks fights when fights aren’t necessary.
- NIU Grad - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:04 am:
CTU is going to be overjoyed…
- LOL - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:06 am:
Well Christian grew up in the suburbs for you geographic diversity people. I think the Gov made a great pick. He’s got energy, he’s a fighter for the right causes and he’s smart as a whip. Good for Illinois.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:06 am:
Absolutely horrible choice. Christian is arrogant and provided absolutely horrible service to agencies when he was a Deputy Governor. But maybe that’s the kind of attitude the Governor wanted in an LG. I love the Governor but this is a horrible choice.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:08 am:
Mitchell is an ok choice but also a missed opportunity. I was hoping he would build on Latino support which is a growing group, larger than Black now inChicago, under represented in Illinois, and one the democrats struggled with nationally.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:11 am:
===disappointed that geographic diversity is not a part of the plan.===
The ticket didn’t need Jimmy Pop, known as Kid Funky Fried.
In 2026 I think it would be a mistake with everything that is going on in our country to think that a significant number of votes will be lost because the candidate for Governor and their running mate both from Chicagoland. Seeing the state as Chicago or Not Chicago is overly simplistic and anyone who has been paying attention over they years will have probably noticed that people that live in Not Chicago complain about being lumped in with everything that is not Chicago.
We’re something like 16 months out, but in Illinois the race for Governor is going to be votes for JB Pritzker and votes against JB Pritzker. He is going to be the only name on the ballot for that race that matters. I would be very surprised if there is any significant number of people in this state who would fit into the category “I was going to vote for him, but I didn’t like who he picked for Lt Governor.”
The Governor has done great things for Not Chicago and a lot of people that live in Not Chicago refuse to acknowledge that.
- SAP - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:16 am:
==I would be very surprised if there is any significant number of people in this state who would fit into the category “I was going to vote for him, but I didn’t like who he picked for Lt Governor.”==
Probably true, but the Governor’s Potomac Fever could get voters to look at the running mate more closely than usual.
- Welp - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:19 am:
Anyone arguing JB needs another “bulldog” clearly has no dealings with his office.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:23 am:
+ what JS Mill wrote. Hispanic voting population 2nd largest across the U.S. also.
- LOL - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:24 am:
Did the Latino community show up for Democrats in the last election? I must have missed that.
- smile politely - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:24 am:
- LOL - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:06 am:
Well Christian grew up in the suburbs for you geographic diversity people. I think the Gov made a great pick. He’s got energy, he’s a fighter for the right causes and he’s smart as a whip. Good for Illinois.
But does he know where or care where Piatt. Moultrie, Douglas Counties are? They are part of the diversity in Illinois too.
- Lurker - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:25 am:
@NIU Grad, can you explain the CTU comment further?
(sorry, I am not well aware of this guy and hard to find background to read)
- LBR - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:26 am:
Christian is a great choice to join Governor Pritzker on the ticket.
He brings something that most folks are lacking — that is know how. He first came to Springfield in 2013- he has the years of experience. He knows the process, the people and the issues that matter to the state of Illinois. He will be a great trusted partner of the Governor. His enthusiasm for the administration and their policies will shine through out the campaign.
- Senator Clay Davis - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:27 am:
==Jimmy Pop, known as Kid Funky Fried==
Deep cut on the Bloodhound Gang reference there. But…what point are you trying to make? Maybe that Christian isn’t old or new but middle school? Fifth grade, like junior high?
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:44 am:
re Hispanics and the last national election, why show up for Democrats when the reality of population is largely ignored?
- VELF - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:00 am:
Christian is more qualified to be Governor in 2026 than JB was in 2018.
- Frenemies - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:00 am:
This is JB and team letting everyone know: we don’t need you, you need us. Congrats to Christian.
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:06 am:
“re Hispanics and the last national election…”
Is the Illinois gubernatorial race a national election?
I’ll take my answer off the air.
– MrJM
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:09 am:
===This seems like a wasted news cycle. ===
It’s an extra news cycle.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:16 am:
==can you explain the CTU comment further?==
CTU dubbed Christian “The Crown Prince” for not standing up to Rahm and supporting SB1.
https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/the-crown-prince/
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:18 am:
=Is the Illinois gubernatorial race a national election?=
Obviously not, but if JB really has presidential ambitions it might have been a way to build votes?
Nothing wrong with Mitchell. I dealt with him directly a few times and he is a pro. He was also willing to work across the aisle somewhat.
I just not sure why the Latino vote is not courted harder?
- Commentz - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:19 am:
Wow, team JB is out in force on the comments today. Christian is one of their own, so it shouldn’t be surprising I guess. We will see if they adapt the role of the Lt. Gov to fit his ego or if he’ll just wait until he gets his shot at the top spot. We’ll see if he tries to rebuild any bridges with those he’s fought with. He won’t have the luxury of running for governor with his own $$.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:29 am:
Surprised at the timing of this while so much politics attention is on D.C. at the moment and when Pritzker’s own announcement wasn’t that long ago.
Maybe the thought was they needed to announce now as a way they can both fan out to 4th of July events for the campaign?
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:32 am:
actually love the timing of the pick. reading the Tribune editorial this morning they said end of July. oops. lol.
- Bad News - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:38 am:
This is a devastating pick. If you worked in or around the Statehouse while Christian was in the Governor’s office, you know how impossible he is to work with. He made no new friends and cannot build a coalition.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:38 am:
===CTU dubbed Christian “The Crown Prince” for not standing up to Rahm and supporting SB1.===
Karen Lewis lived in that House district. She wanted her own person. Christian was definitely not that person.
- Flat Bed Ford - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:50 am:
I look forward to JB and Christian mansplaining everything to me. Christian’s ego will not fit in the Lt. Gov office.
- happy camper - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:06 pm:
lol to Bad News… CEJA’s coalition might disagree that he can’t build a coalition to get things done. He’s the guy that had to work on some of the toughest issues in the Gov’s Office and yeah sometimes that doesn’t earn you friends, but there are no permanent enemies in politics. He’s a talented politician and very smart. Qualified pick.
- Sally Jesse - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:09 pm:
Outside of JB’s team, no one really likes Christian Mitchell, including legislators. This is a good pick for the election, bad for governance.
- Homebody - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:20 pm:
I thing the LG selection will have absolutely zero impact on the outcome of the next governor’s race. The only impact it may have is on the next open democratic primary for governor, but honestly I don’t think the LG position has that much impact on most voter choices.
- AlfondoGonz - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:31 pm:
Add my voice to those disappointed in this pick. I met Christian when I worked in Springfield a decade ago, and I don’t hold him in high regard.
- Adams St Stan - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:37 pm:
CM was a good pick, but AM would’ve been a game changer.
- Shark Sandwich - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:42 pm:
Pritzker-Christian, oh, the time has come!
Ready made campaign hype ballad, it’s right there. Invite Night Ranger to the inaugural ball and show the country how you can still rock in America!
- Shytown - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:46 pm:
When you think about what’s going down in DC with the big “beautiful” bill and all the programming that will be gutted, coupled with Trump making moves to take away birthright, and our right to protest and free speech, it makes all of this feel not so important.
- Nagidam - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:00 pm:
===Christian’s ego will not fit in the Lt. Gov office===
The Honorable Mitchell is a hard charger. He certainly rubs people the wrong way as he comes off with a big ego. Get over it, people. He has the confidence and ability to lead. He knows policy better than most. The point of this pick is to have someone that can run the government while Gov. Pritzker campaigns for President.
- walker - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:10 pm:
Sharp mind, sharp elbows
- Alton Sinkhole - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:22 pm:
==I could have sworn that Andy Manar was going to be the pick.==
Demographically wouldn’t work for the ticket, so Pritzker went with the safer option.
- Soxfan - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:27 pm:
Maybe this means JB is NOT running for Guv? By that I mean, even the Guv must know what a horrible job Mitchell did as a Dep. Guv — and how unlikeable he was in that role.
- Soxfan - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:28 pm:
Correction: Not running for prez.
- Taco Man - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:30 pm:
While Christian is a good choice, competent, intelligent, the guv could have selected a better choice. It seemed like a rushed pick. Respectfully, Mr. Mitchell comes off as aloof with a big ego indeed. A solid and better option would have been Andy Manar (stellar) or Lisa Hernandez. Keep in mind that JB will NOT be completing his full 3rd term, so Mitchell would have to assume the role. It seems to me that, with the selection, JB is done running IL, will run on auto drive, and will be focused on making it to the WH.
- low level - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:34 pm:
Just like JRT, switching Lt Guv’s mid term. I love it.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:34 pm:
===horrible job Mitchell did as a Dep. Guv — and how unlikeable he was in that role===
I’m not saying, but I’m just saying that some of these comments today are coming a wee bit too close to comfort to describing him as an uppity Black man.
Also, Andy Manar’s elbows can be as sharp as Mitchell’s.
Check yourselves.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:37 pm:
===horrible job Mitchell did as a Dep. Guv===
The dude helped pass a ton of bills.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:55 pm:
===switching Lt Guv’s mid term.===
Um, no. Try reading.
- Oklahoma - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:57 pm:
Wait, not Scott Lee Cohen?
- Paul Powell - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:09 pm:
This pick should lock up the faculty lounge vote from Hyde Park
- Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:23 pm:
JB should be seeking closer and better relationships with labor with his national aspirations. For reasons only he knows, this choice does the opposite and I don’t understand that. I honestly don’t see what Mitchell adds to the ticket, while seeing lost opportunities in those not selected.
- Dotnonymous x - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:26 pm:
The more people there are around Mitchell who don’t like his style…the more I like him.
Wise decision on our Governor’s part.
- Dotnonymous x - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:28 pm:
We need sharp elbows…over go along to get along…that’s why we are where we are right now.
- JR - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:31 pm:
36 out of 50 states have governors who have earned law degrees. 26 states elect a Lt. Gov. on a ticket with the governor, while 17 states elect a lieutenant governor separately. Christian is a fine pick for Lt. Gov. with his law degree. Juliana Stratton didn’t have one, and she filled the position with ease and grace. I surmise Christian would easily win the Lt. Gov. ticket if the election was held separately from the Gov’s race…unless Raj Krishnamoorthi ran. Always a huge fan of his.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:32 pm:
Some of y’all should keep some things in mind:
Christian Mitchell is on team Pritzker and has been on team Pritzker since there was a team Pritzker and he took over and did well with the mantel of the Democratic Party of Illinois at an awkward and difficult time. He was on the right side of a lot of issues the Governor has shown interest in for years before the Governor announced his first campaign.
This is Illinois: Not every politician or politico we like who has done good in their time in state government can pass a thorough vetting. Some of them can’t even pass a google search.
- Liftoff - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:36 pm:
Christian has worked in public service for many years and has quite an impressive resume. He’s obviously a great pick, you can tell because so man fragile white men have an issue with him. Kudos to him and looking forward to seeing him on the campaign trail.
- Nerd Herddddd - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:39 pm:
I like my politicians with some fight in them; it’s how we get big things done for people. No voter is looking around for someone who is meek and unwilling to fight for them. Christian is qualified and will be a great partner on the campaign trail. Gov. Pritzker prioritizes his people and lifting them up, that says a lot about who he is as a leader. Congrats, Christian.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:47 pm:
= For reasons only he knows, this choice does the opposite and I don’t understand that.=
Because he chose Christian Mitchell as his Lt. Governor? There are puts and takes with any choice. I hardly think this choice would be the thing that derails and national ambitions Pritzker may have.
- Taco Man - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:03 pm:
Additionally, the rollout of his LG was weak, unceremonious, and rushed; why not make a splash on the political airwaves, as with his announcement? It tells me, ‘ah, what eves…my focus is elsewhere.” I feel bad for Manar, who at this point must be down. Remember that JB plucked someone who is not currently serving in his administration, so Manar thought he had a good shot of being selected. A wild card indeed.
- This just in - Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:08 pm:
== I feel bad for Manar, who at this point must be down. Remember that JB plucked someone who is not currently serving in his administration, so Manar thought he had a good shot of being selected. A wild card indeed. ==
Why on earth would Manar want this job? He has more power and control of the agenda as a Deputy Governor with control of the budget and economic development. Let’s not forget that he also gets DOUBLE the salary than the lieutenant governor position when you factor in the JB bonus.