Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Do better, be better
Next Post: RETAIL: Strengthening Communities Across Illinois
Posted in:
* The governor was asked about potential running mates today during an unrelated press conference…
Pritzker: Mostly, there have been people who have reached out to me to let me know about people they want to advocate for. Certainly, over the last few months, since our great lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, decided and announced that she was going to run for United States Senate. There have been folks who hoped that I might run for re-election and choose a running mate, so that’s really all there have been. But terrific people recommended to me a number of just excellent candidates to choose from. […]
Pritzker: Again, you understand what my criteria are. I start out with the question: Is this person qualified to be governor of the state? Because that’s really the question that we’re asking when we choose a lieutenant governor, first. And then again, a question about: Has this person demonstrated that they care deeply, as much about people who live in areas that they don’t live in, or who have different views than they do, in parts of the state that they’re not from?
So those are, like I said, those are mostly the, at least the first part of vetting.
And then we go through for appointees in the administration. I mean, broadly, everybody from a cabinet secretary in the cabinet of my administration to people who serve on important boards and commissions. We do a vetting process for them, that you understand what those things are. I think we want to make sure that whoever it is has the qualifications that they say they do and things like that.
So those are very simple. But again, most of the people that were recommended to me, that I’ve thought of, are people who meet all of those standards to begin with. And the ones at least that are on my short list, meet all those standards.
…Adding… On if the Governor will serve a full term if re-elected…
Reporter: How likely do you think that the person you select might actually have to step into the role of governor, say in the next two years?
Pritzker: I don’t know I feel like I’m in decent health. My doctor says so. So I hope that wouldn’t be a reason. And I don’t know, I whatever the odds are that a lieutenant governor, you could probably look back in the history of since 1818, when we became a state of Lieutenant Governors stepping in. So I don’t know what those odds are, but it’s happened a few times, but not too terribly often.
But I also think that that person becomes a prominent person in public life, like Juliana Stratton has and and whether they end up running for governor at some future date, rather than just rising into the position, or they end up running for other statewide office. I think being lieutenant governor is a really important position to hold, and they have duties that are quite important for people all across the state.
…Adding… The Illinois Latino Agenda…
Following Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement that he’s running for re-election while Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton pursues a bid for U.S. Senate, the Illinois Latino Agenda calls on Governor Pritzker to partner with a Latino running mate:
“As the state’s second largest racial or ethnic group and one of the most rapidly growing demographics, Latinos consistently contribute to Illinois’ economy through labor, homeownership, purchasing power and entrepreneurship. It’s essential that our state government understands and is accountable for including Latinos in its priorities – especially in the face of a federal government that’s actively working to eliminate and punish our presence.
“For all of those reasons, the Illinois Latino Agenda calls on Governor JB Pritzker to leverage this opportunity to select a Latino running mate for Lieutenant Governor as he pursues re-election. A statewide executive office that reflects the communities it serves, includes Latino leadership in decision-making roles, and elevates Latino voices is one that has greater trust from more communities and deepens future civic engagement.”
* Related…
* Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker is running for reelection. Who will he pick as his No. 2?: “They’ve got to be somebody who can do the job — if something happens and they had to take over,” Pritzker said, describing his ideal running mate to reporters Thursday in Chicago. “And I think just as importantly, somebody who really has a heart for the people of the state of Illinois. That’s not in everybody, right? But you got to have somebody who actually cares about all parts of the state.”
posted by Isabel Miller
Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 10:56 am
Previous Post: Do better, be better
Next Post: RETAIL: Strengthening Communities Across Illinois
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
I’m available. Give me a call.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 11:08 am
====Is this person qualified to be governor of the state?…. Has this person demonstrated that they care deeply, as much about people who live in areas that they don’t live in, or who have different views than they do, in parts of the state that they’re not from?====
Thought exercise: imagine a modern Republican candidate saying that.
Comment by West Sider Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 11:22 am
Greg Harris is available!
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 11:30 am
== Has this person demonstrated that they care…about people who have different views…in different parts of the state ==
That’s a really good litmus test. I hope he’s serious about applying it. Some of the rumored candidates absolutely meet that standard. Some, I’m not so sure.
Comment by TNR Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 11:31 am
Interesting that every list you see is very diverse, yet there is never a mention of a white woman.
Comment by Sigh Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 12:12 pm
He should ask Jesse Ruiz to be his Lt. Gov. That’s a strong choice.
Comment by tumblin dice Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 12:16 pm
==Interesting that every list you see is very diverse, yet there is never a mention of a white woman.==
Are you suggesting Jeanne Ives? /s
Comment by jimbo Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 12:18 pm
I keep wondering why no one has mentioned a Latino running mate, so I am glad someone is bringing that up even if it is a Latino group. They are underrepresented in Chicago and statewide. It would be a good choice and it is a demo that the democrats struggled with in the last election nationally.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 12:19 pm
Let’s be honest. The Illinois Latino Agenda is largely driven by members of Latino Leadership Council, which was founded by Luis Gutierrez who, notably, is backing Raja. It is interesting how vocal they are now, considering they (& others) were completely absent when Kamala Harris was running for President.
When it comes to serious contenders for Lieutenant Governor who can actually raise money and energize the party, the only credible Latino candidates are Jesse Ruiz and Omar Aquino.
Aquino is the future of this party. He is sharp, charismatic, and deeply respected in his community. While his close ties to Delia Ramirez may present challenges down the line, it does not take away from his strengths. He also benefits from having a brilliant and well-loved partner, and together they represent the kind of leadership people want to see.
If I were building a winning team, my picks for Latino Lieutenant Governor would be Jesse Ruiz and Omar Aquino.
Comment by Diana P Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 12:52 pm
Andy Manar for Lt. Gov is an obvious choice.
Comment by Magic Dragon Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 1:03 pm
A suburban white woman- they aren’t represented in any statewide office and have been the largest catalyst to changing the face of suburban politics in all the collar counties. The white women, since 2018, two years after Trump was elected, have been showing up in force and amassing major political gains all through the collar counties.
Comment by Frida's Boss Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 1:55 pm
White females are now the unwanted stepchild in politics today.
That being said, a competent Latino candidate should not be hard to find.
Lisa Hernandez and Jessie Ruiz are great choices.
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 2:02 pm
I find it interesting that there is still no mention of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, including in the Chicago Tribune article. But she would make a lot of sense to me, if she’s willing to return to state-level politics.
Comment by DuPage Dad Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 2:13 pm
I honestly do not know the answer to my question:
Is Lt Gov > Comptroller? Especially if Lt Gov was a great step to Gov.
Comment by Lurker Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 2:41 pm
== A suburban white woman- they aren’t represented in any statewide office and have been the largest catalyst to changing the face of suburban politics in all the collar counties. ==
That’s a good point. Yet, if Mendoza goes all in on mayor and doesn’t seek re-election, there might not be any Latino representation on the ticket.
Cristina Castro as LG might be a good way to thread that needle. She’s part of the Dem suburban women surge and Latina.
Comment by TNR Monday, Jun 30, 25 @ 2:59 pm