Pritzker and top Chicago Democrats endorse Harris

The day after President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin threw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Why it matters: The endorsement squashes speculation that Pritzker was eyeing a presidential run of his own, but the governor remains on a speculative short list of possible Harris running mates.

Context : In the hours since Biden's bombshell announcement, Democratic leaders nationwide endorsed Harris .

• She has been calling Democratic officials to try to lock down the nomination, Axios' Hans Nichols reported.

What they're saying: "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," Pritzker said in a statement Monday morning.

• Durbin — the second-ranking Senate Democrat — wasn't far behind: "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," he said in a social media statement.

The vibe: "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 added.

What's next: Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is considering re-registering as a Democrat and entering the presidential race.

• Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, who challenged Biden for the nomination, called for a straw poll of delegates followed by a series of televised forums ahead of a vote at the convention.
• The DNC is set to begin in Chicago on August 19.