Gov. JB Pritzker with former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell after announcing Mitchell's departure from the administration in 2023. 

Former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell will be Gov. JB Pritzker’s running mate as he seeks a third term, the campaign announced Tuesday. 

Mitchell will replace Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running for U.S. Senate. Pritzker said Monday he was looking for a running mate who could be governor on day one and would represent all of Illinois. 

He seems to have found that in Mitchell.  

“Christian Mitchell is a proven leader with deep experience, steady judgment, and an unshakable commitment to the working families of Illinois,” Pritzker said in a statement Tuesday. “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.” 

Mitchell, a graduate of the University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago, started his career as a community organizer working with South Side churches. He worked for former Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s 2010 reelection campaign, was senior advisor to Cook County President Tony Preckwinkle and worked for former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.  

Mitchell was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2012, serving from 2013 to 2019. He represented the 26th district, which stretches from Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood down to South Chicago.  

During his time in the legislature, Mitchell backed many progressive policies, including Illinois’ bump stock ban, expanded access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the decriminalization of marijuana.  

He also supported amending the state constitution to create a graduated income tax system, a ballot initiative that ultimately failed in 2020.  

Mitchell became Pritzker’s deputy governor in 2019, overseeing environment, infrastructure and public safety.  

Pritzker’s campaign noted that Mitchell helped pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which established Illinois’ goal of being carbon free by 2050. Pritzker also praised Mitchell’s work during the pandemic, when he oversaw the state’s medical supply chain.  

Mitchell left Pritzker’s administration in 2023 to join the University of Chicago as vice president of civic engagement. He also serves in the Illinois Air National Guard as a first lieutenant and deputy staff judge advocate.  

Pritzker’s pick for lieutenant governor has a little more weight than it usually does as rumors of a presidential run circulate. If Pritzker does decide to run, and is successful, Mitchell could ascend to governor with two years left in the term.  

No other Democrats have announced their intention to challenge Pritzker. On the Republican side, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, Posen Park District Comm. Phil Perez and former congressional candidate Joseph Severino have announced their intentions to run.