Politics in Illinois usually follows a predictable rhythm, but the 2026 cycle has thrown a massive wrench into the gears. If you’ve been following the headlines, you know Governor JB Pritzker is gunning for a historic third term. But there is a huge change at the top. For the first time since he took office, Pritzker won't have Juliana Stratton by his side.
Honestly, it’s the end of an era. Stratton isn't leaving because of a falling out—far from it. She is busy running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. That left a gaping hole in the Democratic ticket. Enter Christian Mitchell.
The news officially broke in July 2025. Pritzker tapped Mitchell, his former deputy governor and a well-known face in Chicago politics, to be his new JB Pritzker running mate. It’s a move that makes a lot of sense if you look at the "Pritzker doctrine" of governance, but it still represents a major shift for voters used to the Pritzker-Stratton duo.
Who is Christian Mitchell?
You might remember Mitchell from his time in the Illinois House representing the 26th District, which covers a good chunk of Chicago’s lakefront. He wasn't just a back-bencher. He was the executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois back in 2018, meaning he knows exactly how to win a statewide race.
Basically, Mitchell is a "logistics guy."
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During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while most of us were stuck at home, Mitchell was in the trenches. As deputy governor, he was the one tasked with the near-impossible job of procuring PPE—masks, ventilators, the whole nine yards—when the global supply chain was basically a dumpster fire. Pritzker has repeatedly called him a "proven leader" with "steady judgment."
The University of Chicago Connection
Before jumping back into the political fire for this 2026 bid, Mitchell was serving as the Vice President for Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago. He’s also a first lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard. That blend of academic, military, and high-level executive experience is exactly why Pritzker feels comfortable with him as the "spare tire" of the administration.
Why the Change Matters for the 2026 Election
In Illinois, you don't pick your lieutenant governor separately in the general election. They run as a team. A package deal.
The choice of Mitchell keeps a person of color on the Democratic ticket, which is a critical piece of the math for winning Cook County and the surrounding suburbs. But it’s more than just demographics. By picking a former deputy governor, Pritzker is signaling continuity. He's telling voters, "If I get called to a higher office, or if I’m busy fighting national battles, the state is in the hands of someone who already knows where all the light switches are."
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The "Shadow" of 2028
Let's be real: everyone is looking at Pritzker as a 2028 presidential contender. Because of that, the JB Pritzker running mate choice carries more weight than usual. If Pritzker were to move to Washington, Mitchell would become the Governor of Illinois. That’s not a small detail.
The Republican side is already trying to paint this as a "dynasty" move. Darren Bailey, who is running again with Aaron Del Mar, has been vocal about wanting to "break the machine." Bailey’s camp is leaning heavily into the "Illinois DOGE" concept—essentially a plan to slash state spending—and they’re framing Mitchell as just another cog in the Pritzker infrastructure.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Lieutenant Governor Role
A lot of people think the lieutenant governor just cuts ribbons and waits for the governor to get sick. In Illinois, the role is actually what the governor makes of it.
Under Pritzker, Juliana Stratton led the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative. She wasn't just a figurehead; she was a policy driver. Mitchell is expected to take on a similar "hands-on" role, likely focusing on infrastructure and clean energy—two areas where he spent a lot of time as deputy governor.
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- Succession: They are first in line if the Governor leaves office.
- Delegated Duties: They handle whatever the Governor throws on their plate.
- Statutory Boards: They often chair committees like the Rural Affairs Council.
The Competition: Who Else is on the Ballot?
It’s not a two-horse race yet. While Pritzker and Mitchell are the heavy favorites on the Democratic side (Pritzker’s approval rating was sitting at a solid 50.6% in early 2026 polls), the GOP field is crowded.
Darren Bailey is currently leading the Republican pack, but he’s facing pressure from Ted Dabrowski and James Mendrick. Interestingly, the polling shows a massive chunk of voters—nearly 46% in some surveys—are still undecided. That’s a huge "wait and see" sign from the Illinois electorate.
What You Should Watch For Next
The primary is set for March 17, 2026. Between now and then, expect to see a lot of Christian Mitchell on your TV screen. Pritzker’s campaign is already deploying a "national-style" media strategy, using TikTok and Reels to reach younger voters who might not know Mitchell’s track record.
If you’re trying to keep track of how this affects your life, keep an eye on these three things:
- Policy Rollover: Watch if Mitchell starts taking the lead on big-ticket items like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) implementation.
- The Campaign War Chest: Pritzker is a billionaire. He’s going to spend. A lot. Watch how much of that goes toward building Mitchell’s brand.
- Voter Turnout in Chicago: Mitchell's job is to keep the base energized. If he can't pull numbers in Hyde Park and Bronzeville, the ticket could be in trouble.
You've got a front-row seat to a historical attempt at a third term. The dynamic between Pritzker and Mitchell will define whether the "Illinois Miracle" Pritzker talks about is seen as a reality or just a really expensive marketing campaign.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you are registered to vote before the February 17 mail-in deadline and keep an eye on the official Illinois State Board of Elections site for any last-minute ballot changes.