(NewsNation) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has emerged as a potential candidate to join Vice President Kamala Harris on the presidential ticket if she secures the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
President Joe Biden announced Sunday he will not seek reelection in November against former President Donald Trump following growing pressure from other Democrats to withdraw from the race.
Biden has endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee, but the official candidate will not be decided until the Democratic National Convention in August.
As speculation grows about potential running mates for Harris if she secures the nomination, Pritzker’s name continues to surface. With his progressive record, substantial resources and growing national profile, he is an intriguing option for Democrats looking to energize their base and challenge Republican opponents.
However, Pritzker said he has not received a request for vetting materials needed for a vice presidential screening, on an episode of the podcast “Morning Joe,” adding that he is “very interested in making sure that Kamala Harris becomes the next president of the United States.”
Born into one of America’s wealthiest families, Pritzker has leveraged his business acumen and progressive policies to become a rising star in Democratic politics.
JB Pritzker’s path to governorship
Pritzker’s political career culminated in his 2018 election as governor of Illinois. He defeated incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner, running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and social reform. His substantial personal wealth allowed him to self-fund much of his campaign, giving him a significant advantage in the race.
JB Pritzker’s views
As governor, Pritzker has championed progressive causes, including:
- Legalizing recreational marijuana
- Raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour
- Expanding health care access
- Promoting clean energy initiatives
- Heralding access to abortion in Illinois after the reversal of Roe v. Wade
His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic earned him praise from many Illinois residents, further bolstering his political profile.
Pritzker’s relationship with Harris
After Biden dropped out of the race, Pritzker endorsed Harris, ending speculation that he could mount a campaign of his own.
“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,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker and other top Democrats in Illinois have endorsed Harris ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which will take place in their state.
Pritzker’s political controversies
Pritzker’s tenure hasn’t been without controversy. The most notable scandal involved the removal of toilets from his Chicago mansion to lower property taxes. This move, which saved him an estimated $331,000, was deemed a “scheme to defraud” by a county inspector general report. Pritzker repaid the money and maintained that he followed the rules.
Pritzker’s net worth and business ventures
With an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, Pritzker is one of the wealthiest politicians in America, according to Forbes. Beyond his role as governor, he has:
- Co-founded a successful venture capital firm, Pritzker Group
- Invested in numerous startups and established companies
- Supported various philanthropic causes, particularly in education and child development
Pritzker’s personal life and family legacy
Pritzker’s personal story is deeply intertwined with his family’s powerful legacy:
- He is an heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, founded by his uncle Jay Pritzker.
- The Pritzker family is known for its vast business empire and philanthropic efforts.
- JB and his wife, MK Pritzker, have two children and are known for their charitable work.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.