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Viewed by many as a dark horse candidate, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has not been selected to serve as Kamala Harris’ running mate. Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential candidate, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Walz, a military veteran and chair of the Democratic Governors Association, has served as governor of Minnesota since 2019.
The selection is seen as a strategic move to boost Harris’ support in the Midwest, crucial for battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Walz, who gained attention last month by labeling the Republican ticket "just weird," is expected to reinforce Harris' campaign in these key regions.
Pritzker, along with five other finalists including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, underwent an intensive vetting process. Led by former Attorney General Eric Holder and Dana Remus, former White House counsel for President Joe Biden, the process included extensive video interviews and a thorough submission of financial and personal records.
Despite his elimination, Pritzker’s self-funding capability from his vast personal fortune was noted as a potential asset for Harris' campaign, which has already raised over $310 million, the largest haul of the 2024 election cycle.
Pritzker, the billionaire heir to the Hyatt fortune, has poured substantial funds into his political pursuits, contributing $323 million to his gubernatorial campaigns and $27 million to the Democratic Governors Association. His financial history, including scrutiny over offshore holdings and a controversial property tax reduction scheme, was a focal point during the vetting.
While Pritzker's immediate future remains uncertain, his efforts to bring the Democratic National Convention to Chicago and his attacks on former President Donald Trump’s policies position him as a prominent figure in the party. Though a Harris victory in November would delay his presidential ambitions, Pritzker’s national profile and potential speaking role at the convention highlight his continued influence.
The governor, who has won two terms with decisive victories, has yet to announce if he will seek a third term in 2026, with Illinois imposing no term limits for governors. His strong stance against Trump and efforts in national politics suggest that Pritzker remains a significant player on the Democratic stage.
[Source: Chicago Sun Times]
