Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, once reportedly among six potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, is praising Harris’ choice of a fellow Democratic governor from a Midwestern state.
The vice president announced Tuesday morning that she has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate. Harris herself was selected by Democratic delegates to be the party’s presidential nominee, according to final vote results released late Monday by the Democratic National Committee, and replace incumbent President Joe Biden, who is not seeking re-election, on the ticket.
Now, with Tuesday’s announcement, the Democratic ticket is set before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from Aug. 19-22 at the United Center.
Pritzker released the following statement Tuesday after Harris announced her selection of Walz:
“Governor Tim Walz is a proven leader who brings to public service the big heart and hard work of a Midwesterner. His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of working families and to lifting up the most vulnerable is why I’m so excited he will be the Democratic Party’s nominee for Vice President. Tim is a friend and fellow Midwestern governor, and I’ve been proud to serve alongside him. Vice President Kamala Harris once again has proven her leadership by choosing someone our party and the nation can be proud of.
“I am fully committed to electing the Harris-Walz ticket. I will do everything I can to ensure victory in November for Democrats up and down the ballot here in Illinois and across the country.”
Pritzker had reportedly been among six candidates interviewed by Harris to be her running mate, a list that included Walz, Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
By Monday, it was reported that Shapiro and Walz were the finalists.
