Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who was a key figure in the Midwest for President Joe Biden, found himself in limbo after Biden withdrew from the race and Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee. Pritzker had been laying the groundwork for a possible presidential bid for years, campaigning for Biden in key battleground states and hosting the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Initially concerned about saving the country from Donald Trump, Pritzker urged Democrats to rally together. However, after Biden’s unexpected exit and endorsement of Harris, Pritzker had to reevaluate his political future.
Having supported Harris in her campaign and worked closely with the Biden administration, Pritzker’s hopes for a potential vice presidential nod were dashed when Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz instead. Pritzker remained committed to supporting his party’s efforts to rebuild, focusing his attention on states like Wisconsin and Ohio. Despite not being on Harris’ final list for vice president, Pritzker is planning to see out his term in Illinois, focusing on implementing key programs and initiatives like universal pre-K and a quantum computing campus.
Looking ahead, Pritzker may consider a presidential run in 2028, as he continues to maintain a presence in key early voting states and build his foreign policy credentials through various engagements. With his eye on the presidency, Pritzker’s next steps remain uncertain as he navigates the rapidly shifting political landscape.
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