Pritzker Taps Ex-Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell as 2026 Running Mate

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Tuesday named former deputy governor and ex-state representative Christian Mitchell as his running mate for the 2026 election, replacing outgoing Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who is pursuing a U.S. Senate seat. The announcement comes as the Democrat launches his campaign for a third term and keeps open the possibility of a future presidential bid. Mitchell, 37, served as deputy governor from 2019 to 2023, where he was a lead strategist on energy and climate policy, including the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that commits Illinois to a transition away from fossil fuels over 25 years. Before joining the administration, he represented parts of Chicago’s South Side in the Illinois House from 2013 to 2019 and briefly headed the Illinois Democratic Party, becoming its first Black executive director. Since leaving the administration Mitchell has overseen civic engagement and government relations at the University of Chicago and sits on the board that manages McCormick Place and Navy Pier. Pritzker said Mitchell’s legislative and executive experience made him "ready to do the job of governor" if needed—one of the few formal duties of the lieutenant governor under the state constitution.