Gov. Pritzker, Illinois Democratic leaders endorse Kamala Harris for president

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. “

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) has also put his support behind Harris in a statement issued late Sunday night, saying:

“As we witness a significant moment in the annals of our nation’s history, I am moved to reflect on the exemplary leadership and enduring commitment of President Joe Biden. Today, as President Biden makes the profound decision to step out of the Presidential race, I am compelled to commend him for his unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, justice, and equity.

“President Biden has led with a steady hand and a compassionate heart, guiding our country through unprecedented challenges. His efforts to heal our nation, restore dignity to the highest office, and champion the rights of all Americans will be remembered as a testament to his profound love for this country. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the fight for racial justice, his leadership has been a beacon of hope and resilience. His administration’s work on infrastructure, healthcare, and economic recovery has laid a strong foundation for future generations.

“In this pivotal moment, I am also immensely proud to extend my unequivocal endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as she steps forward to continue this essential work. Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a dynamic and visionary leader, dedicated to upholding the values we cherish. Her tenure as Vice President has been marked by her tenacity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She has been a steadfast advocate for the underserved and a powerful voice for those often overlooked.

“Vice President Harris embodies the spirit of progress and the promise of a brighter future for all Americans. Her leadership is defined by a deep sense of empathy, a strong moral compass, and an unyielding determination to create a more just and equitable society. As the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of Vice President, she has already broken countless barriers and inspired millions. I have every confidence that she will continue to lead with integrity, vision, and courage.

“President Biden’s decision to support Vice President Harris is a testament to his faith in her abilities and to his commitment to the future of our nation. Together, their partnership has exemplified the strength and potential of inclusive leadership. As we look to the future, I am hopeful and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead under Vice President Harris’s leadership.

“I urge all Americans to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unparalleled service and to stand united in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. Let us continue to work together towards the realization of the American dream, where justice, equality, and opportunity are the birthright of every citizen.”

Illinois Senate president Don Harmon on Monday afternoon threw his support behind Harris, saying in a statement:

“I am enormously proud to endorse Kamala Harris for the Office of President of the United States. In a short few hours after announcing her candidacy, she has energized the Democratic Party with her compelling story and her ability to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s corrupt, felonious behavior and his plans to cut taxes for billionaires and corporations while raising them on the middle class.

“Over the last three and a half years, we’ve been fortunate to have the leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to repair the damage inflicted on the nation by Trump. We cannot go back, and I will do everything in my power to help elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States.”

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