Governor JB Pritzker announced Tuesday that Christian Mitchell, a seasoned veteran of Illinois state government and former Deputy Governor, will be his running mate for the 2026 gubernatorial election. The decision was made shortly after Pritzker confirmed he would seek a third term as governor, signaling a strategic move to strengthen his campaign.
Mitchell, 38, has a strong background in public policy and state government, having served three terms in the Illinois House beginning in 2013. He previously served as one of four deputy governors overseeing key projects during Pritzker’s first term. His appointment to the governor’s ticket marks a significant shift, as he replaces Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, who is now running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
A resident of Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Mitchell has been deeply involved in Illinois politics. Before joining the governor’s office in 2019, he served as the executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois in 2018. After leaving Pritzker’s administration in early 2023, Mitchell took on the role of vice president for civic engagement at the University of Chicago, where he oversees government relations.
Mitchell’s extensive experience extends beyond politics; he is also a first lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard and serves on the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority board, which oversees Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
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