PRITZKER’s No. 2: Gov. JB Pritzker has tapped Christian Mitchell, a former deputy governor and veteran state representative, to be his lieutenant governor running mate in 2026. The move surprised some Democrats, who expected the governor to select someone with geographic diversity. Mitchell is a Chicagoan, though he did grow up in suburban Maywood.

In Pritzker's video announcement, Mitchell said he got into public service because "as difficult as life can be, I believe it can be a little bit easier if you've got leaders in government who care about working families, making life more affordable, making health care more accessible."

Gov. JB Pritzker has picked former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell as his running mate. Why it matters: If Pritzker is reelected, Mitchell could be in line to take over if Pritzker runs for president in 2028.