Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently hinted at his potential consideration for the Democratic vice presidential nomination. When asked if Kamala Harris’ campaign had contacted him for vetting as she seeks a running mate, Pritzker stated he couldn’t comment on “private discussions.”
Appearing on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” Pritzker expressed his interest and willingness to accept the vice-presidential post if offered. He mentioned his love for being the governor of Illinois and his reluctance to change, but acknowledged it would be hard to resist if asked to be considered for vice president.
Pritzker was a strong supporter of President Joe Biden’s reelection bid until Biden stepped aside for Harris. Following Biden’s withdrawal, Pritzker endorsed Harris’ presidential bid and quickly became a potential running mate.
Pritzker, a billionaire entrepreneur and heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion according to Forbes, is the nation’s wealthiest elected official. His financial resources could be beneficial in the Democrats’ effort to retain the White House against former President Donald Trump.
Pritzker has been vocal in his criticism of Trump, often calling him “a racist,” “a homophobe,” “a grifter,” and “a felon.” This aligns with the traditional role of vice presidential candidates who often serve as the campaign’s “attack dog,” allowing the presidential candidate to stay above the fray.
Since Biden exited the race, Pritzker has avoided local media, opting instead for national interviews on MSNBC and CNN. On MSNBC, he mentioned that he hadn’t received vetting materials from Harris’ team, but on CNN, he avoided answering directly when asked if he had been asked to submit paperwork for vetting.
Pritzker’s political aides have not commented on his recent statements. He joins a list of potential vice presidential candidates that includes Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
During his CNN interview, Pritzker noted a “palpable” change among Democrats since Biden left the race, praising Harris for bringing new energy to the party. He mentioned the upcoming Chicago-based Democratic National Convention as an exciting event that will unite Democrats in support of Harris.
According to the Democratic National Convention’s rules, aimed at ensuring the party’s candidates appear on all 50 state ballots, Harris must name a running mate within the next two weeks. The DNC faces an August 7 deadline and plans to hold a virtual vote by delegates to select a presidential candidate, with voting starting no earlier than August 1.
Harris has already secured backing from most of the convention’s nominating delegates. Once selected as the presidential nominee, she can nominate a vice presidential candidate, with Minyon Moore, the convention chair, declaring that candidate as the party’s vice presidential nominee.
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At the convention, delegates will participate in “celebratory and ceremonial votes,” including a state-by-state roll call for the presidential nominee. This process will solidify the Democratic ticket for the upcoming election.
