Pritzker Denies Harris Campaign Outreach Amid Vice Presidential Speculation

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has publicly denied claims that Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign reached out to him regarding a potential vice presidential candidacy. On Thursday, Pritzker stated, "the Harris campaign did not call me yesterday," despite reports from a source familiar with the vetting process indicating otherwise. Pritzker was speaking at a security planning meeting for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where he acknowledged ongoing discussions with the campaign but refrained from detailing any specific conversations. When pressed about his interest in being Harris' running mate, Pritzker remained noncommittal, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring a Democratic victory in the upcoming election. "I've been honored to have been elected twice as governor of the state of Illinois," he remarked, indicating that his primary focus is on supporting the party's efforts against Republican candidates, including Donald Trump and JD Vance. The speculation surrounding Pritzker's candidacy comes as multiple sources suggest a list of potential vice presidential candidates, which includes several governors and members of the Biden administration. Notable names mentioned alongside Pritzker are Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. As the Democratic Party prepares for its official nomination process, which will take place virtually starting August 1, Harris has garnered significant support from Democratic delegates, positioning her as the likely nominee for the presidential race.