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* Press release…
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.
* Launch video…
…Adding… Governor Pritzker was asked about his LG pick this afternoon at an unrelated news conference…
Reporter: Governor, you recently announced today that Christian Mitchell will be your running mate for as lieutenant governor. Why? Why is Christian Mitchell ready to step in as governor as required?
Pritzker: Well, let me start by saying that we have a great Lieutenant Governor right now, and she’s going to continue to serve as lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, for another 18 months. She’s been really a terrific partner, and [it’s] important to me to have somebody who understands government and who has a heart for the people of Illinois, wherever they live and whatever party they belong to.
And Christian Mitchell has demonstrated, I’ve worked with him since he was a state representative, since I was just a candidate for governor, and then he became my deputy governor. He also has worked at the University of Chicago as their community liaison. He is a lieutenant in the Air National Guard, and he is somebody that I have grown to trust.
I’ve seen him usher enormous legislation through the legislature, working with legislators to pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, to pass the infrastructure bill, $45 billion capital bill for the state. So he’s a guy who knows how to get big things done, and I’ve worked with him to get it done.
I’m excited for the people of Illinois to get to know him, and also for him to become one of their leaders.
Reporter: How many candidates did you consider and when did you arrive at [that decision?]
Pritzker: Oh, gosh, I mean, there are a number of qualified people that that I considered, and I don’t know if I could name the number. But I can say that we have, I said earlier in my remarks, a lot of really highly qualified people in government today in Illinois. I know that people are down on government in general, but I can tell you, I’ve worked with some really spectacular [people]. You’re seeing some here. And so, if you want to pick somebody who has real government experience, there are a number of people to choose from. There are people outside of government who are highly experienced as managers, as people who can lead. And so I considered people both inside and outside government.
Reporter: When did you make your decision?
Pritzker: It’s one of these things, when did I make the decision. made the decision as soon as I could. But you have to kind of evolve as you’re looking at candidates and contemplating it. I think it wasn’t an easy choice, because there really are some great people to choose from, but I guess the final decision was made maybe more than a week ago.
But I say ‘final,’ there were lots of things to do. Somebody who’s choosing to run as a candidate, [Mitchell] can’t continue, for example, working at the University of Chicago while he’s a candidate. And so that’s one of those things that you’ve got to kind of give a person time to work out
So just to give you a sense for it—but it wasn’t too terribly long ago.
Please pardon any transcription errors.
Discuss.
posted by Isabel Miller
Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:02 am
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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.
Comment by Thing one Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:04 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.
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:13 am
Disappointing the governor didn’t put geographic diversity into his choice. He bypassed several talented suburban and downstate Democrats.
Comment by What Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:17 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.
Comment by Tweedle Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:18 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.
Comment by *ducks* Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:21 am
a pick with an eye towards a smooth transition, certainly. the politics of 2030 though? fascinating.
Comment by sewer thoughts Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:26 am
We have made a lot of progress in the past 8 years????
This is year 6 of the Pritzker administration
Amateur hour
Comment by Paul Powell 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.
Comment by HCMcB Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:28 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.
Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:29 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.
Comment by Observerrr Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:33 am
Ugh
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:42 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.
Comment by Bob Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:44 am
By all accounts this pick will be great. But the Governor, and by extension Democrats, missed an opportunity to do something different.
Comment by City Man Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:53 am
I would have guessed he was a long shot choice.
Comment by Chicago Voter Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:56 am
I would have guessed he was a long shot choice.
Comment by Chicago Voter 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.
Comment by Bored Chairman Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 8:56 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.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:04 am
I could have sworn that Andy Manar was going to be the pick. Frankly, I’m disappointed that it wasn’t.
Comment by Osborne Smith III Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:13 am
Finally, a pension reformer on the team.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:18 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?
Comment by TJ Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:19 am
JB4L - JB4Life
Comment by low level Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:22 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.
Comment by Oklahoma Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:23 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.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:27 am
JB 62% next fall
Comment by low level Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:27 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…
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:47 am
disappointed that geographic diversity is not a part of the plan.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:51 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.
Comment by 38 Year Old 1st Lts. Are Hard to Find Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 9:55 am
CTU is going to be overjoyed…
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:04 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.
Comment by LOL 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.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:06 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.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:08 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.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:11 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.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:16 am
Anyone arguing JB needs another “bulldog” clearly has no dealings with his office.
Comment by Welp Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:19 am
+ what JS Mill wrote. Hispanic voting population 2nd largest across the U.S. also.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:23 am
Did the Latino community show up for Democrats in the last election? I must have missed that.
Comment by LOL 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.
Comment by smile politely Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:24 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)
Comment by Lurker Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:25 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.
Comment by LBR Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:26 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?
Comment by Senator Clay Davis Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:27 am
re Hispanics and the last national election, why show up for Democrats when the reality of population is largely ignored?
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 10:44 am
Christian is more qualified to be Governor in 2026 than JB was in 2018.
Comment by VELF 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.
Comment by Frenemies Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:00 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
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:06 am
===This seems like a wasted news cycle. ===
It’s an extra news cycle.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:09 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/
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:16 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?
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:18 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 $$.
Comment by Commentz Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:19 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?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:29 am
actually love the timing of the pick. reading the Tribune editorial this morning they said end of July. oops. lol.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:32 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.
Comment by Bad News 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.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:38 am
I look forward to JB and Christian mansplaining everything to me. Christian’s ego will not fit in the Lt. Gov office.
Comment by Flat Bed Ford Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 11:50 am
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.
Comment by happy camper Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:06 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.
Comment by Sally Jesse Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:09 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.
Comment by Homebody Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:20 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.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:31 pm
CM was a good pick, but AM would’ve been a game changer.
Comment by Adams St Stan Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:37 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!
Comment by Shark Sandwich Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:42 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.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 12:46 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.
Comment by Nagidam Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:00 pm
Sharp mind, sharp elbows
Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:10 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.
Comment by Alton Sinkhole Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:22 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.
Comment by Soxfan Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:27 pm
Correction: Not running for prez.
Comment by Soxfan Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:28 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.
Comment by Taco Man Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:30 pm
Just like JRT, switching Lt Guv’s mid term. I love it.
Comment by low level 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.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:34 pm
===horrible job Mitchell did as a Dep. Guv===
The dude helped pass a ton of bills.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:37 pm
===switching Lt Guv’s mid term.===
Um, no. Try reading.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:55 pm
Wait, not Scott Lee Cohen?
Comment by Oklahoma Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 1:57 pm
This pick should lock up the faculty lounge vote from Hyde Park
Comment by Paul Powell Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:09 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.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:23 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.
Comment by Dotnonymous x Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:26 pm
We need sharp elbows…over go along to get along…that’s why we are where we are right now.
Comment by Dotnonymous x Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:28 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.
Comment by JR Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:31 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.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:32 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.
Comment by Liftoff Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:36 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.
Comment by Nerd Herddddd Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:39 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.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 2:47 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.
Comment by Taco Man Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:03 pm
Many of these comments are textbook examples of covert racism.
Are you saying there’s a fundamental flaw with his character, or do you not like him simply because he told you no or wouldn’t give you preferential treatment.
Like him or hate him, it’s hard to argue with the statement that he’s one the brightest people to work in State government. He’s arrogant because he has earned the right to be. He’s an example for every kid who didn’t grow up with privilege on what you can do if you work hard and push boundaries. He’s a black guy who rightly told the CTU to pound sand and he’s forced people to take him seriously when they would have preferred to treat him as nothing more than a mushroom or a mindless member willing to take direction.
The way he conducts himself and acts is exactly the same as many, many others in Springfield, except they are white men.
Some of you might want to check your privilege and recognize your own personal biases.
Comment by This just in Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:06 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.
Comment by This just in Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:08 pm
Good point, financially, This Just In. However, it’s all about climbing the ‘political ladder.’ After all, our elected officials are politicians. He has been receiving double the salary, but moving up doesn’t hurt.
Comment by Taco Man Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:21 pm
The fact that this was rolled out with a press release and not some kind of news conference/rally tells you everything you need to know about the pick. It’s not really about putting together a balanced and exciting ticket that is appealing to undecided voters. JB and his folks think reelection is a foregone conclusion. This is about executing a succession plan and putting a favored Team JB uber-insider in position to succeed the boss.
Comment by Rick D. Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:32 pm
JR, Lieutenant Governor Stratton is also an attorney.
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:54 pm
===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.===
IMO, a law degree hardly matters. But, for the record, the LG is DePaul Law Class of ‘92.
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 3:58 pm
@JR - Juliana absolutely does have a law degree.
Comment by Anan Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 4:02 pm
Well said, Rick D. The rollout was uneventful. The focus is on the transition of office, whereby the person who is to assume the position of governor upon resignation of the sitting governor. So it may be a quiet-partial-serving (3rd term) for JB.
Comment by Taco Man Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 4:04 pm
The expression “Sharp Elbows” has gotten out of control here. As a community we need to be more inclusive of alternate descriptors.
Comment by Excitable Boy Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 4:46 pm
Always happy to have South Side representation statewide. What’s interesting about this pick is Mitchell has experience coordinating statewide campaigns in 2018, so I am curious how his presence on the ticket might involve more planning of the campaign than would usually be the case for a running mate.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 5:01 pm
Christian Mitchell is a decent pick by JB Pritzker. Would have preferred Jehan Gordon-Booth or Lisa Hernandez, or even Andy Manar.
Comment by Justin Tuesday, Jul 1, 25 @ 5:19 pm