Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and state Democratic Party leaders are endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president Monday, one day after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Harris himself.
The endorsements from Pritzker and state Democratic leaders come about a month before the Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago at United Center from Aug. 19-22.
Pritzker released the following statement Monday:
“I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.
“Since I launched my first campaign for Governor in 2017, I have made it clear in virtually every political speech and statement the absolute necessity of beating Donald Trump at the ballot box. Donald Trump is a convicted felon, liable for sexual assault, and a congenital liar. He is a man wholly unfit for the office of the presidency both in character and temperament. We must defeat him and his MAGA allies at every level this November.
“When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Biden’s selfless decision came as a genuine surprise. I have worked hard during my time as Governor of Illinois to try and bring a sober and mature approach to decision-making. It’s important to be thoughtful about what’s next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. I am also cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention.
“Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans From protecting women’s rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear. She represents our Party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that.
“Before I was elected Governor of Illinois I served in leadership roles for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns. I worked hard for Hillary Clinton because I thought she would be an incredibly qualified and capable President. I also felt it was important that this country finally elect a woman to the highest office in the land. I am endorsing Kamala Harris for President and will work hard to get her elected because I believe that she is the most qualified and capable person to be President. I also think it’s past time we shatter that highest and hardest of glass ceilings and finally elect a woman as President of the United States.”
Also on Monday, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement:
“The Democratic Party stands united in our belief that Vice President Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to lead our nation forward. Vice President Harris has demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership throughout her distinguished career. From her tenure as the Attorney General of California to her service as our Vice President, Kamala Harris has consistently fought for justice, equality, and the rights of all Americans.
“The Democratic Party of Illinois is fully committed to mobilizing our communities in support of Kamala Harris. We recognize the historic significance of her candidacy and profound impact her leadership will have on our state and our country.
“Vice President Harris’ platform reflects the values and priorities of Illinoisans, including expanding access to quality healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, addressing climate change, and ensuring economic justice for all. Vice President Harris stands as our best chance to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Their radical agenda threatens to dismantle the progress we’ve made. We cannot allow their divisive and regressive agenda to prevail. We must protect our democracy, defend our rights, and uphold our Democratic values. As we move forward, the Democratic Party of Illinois is dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure Kamala Harris’ victory in November.”
Illinois House Speaker Chris “Emanuel” Welch also issued a statement Monday endorsing Harris. It read:
“Throughout our history, strong women have built movements that united us, inspired change when we needed it most and called on our nation to continually pursue a truer vision of our founding principles. Kamala Harris has stepped up to continue this work, and I am so proud to offer her my full support. Democrats see the challenges our country faces, and we choose Kamala Harris to lead us forward. We choose Kamala Harris because we know that someone who has dedicated her career to justice is the right choice to stand up to a man who believes the law does not apply to him. We choose Kamala Harris because a champion for women and families is the right choice to hold the architect of the Dobbs decision accountable. We choose Kamala Harris because someone who embodies the power of unity is the right choice to defeat a demagogue who divides people to pursue his own power. When Democrats nationwide gather next month in Chicago, I will join Black House Speakers from Maine, Michigan, Maryland, New York, and Virginia for a celebration of diversity and unity that we call Black Excellence in Bleu.
“There is no greater celebration of Black excellence than nominating Kamala Harris to lead our party forward. This November, we choose unity. We choose democracy, justice, and the rule of law. We choose women’s rights, voting rights, and civil rights.
“And that is why we choose Kamala Harris to serve as President of the United States.”
Additionally, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) issued a statement Monday endorsing Harris for president, saying:
“I’m proud to endorse my former Senate colleague and good friend, Vice President Kamala Harris. Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos. Vice President Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years. Count me in with Kamala Harris for President.“