Gov. Pritzker endorses Kamala Harris following Biden’s withdrawal from presidential race

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate in the upcoming presidential election, following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the race.

Gov. Pritzker released a statement Monday morning, voicing his support for Harris and expressing confidence in her chances of prevailing over Republican nominee Donald Trump in November.

“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,” said Pritzker, according to reports.

“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."

The endorsement comes after President Biden released a statement announcing his decision to recuse himself from the presidential race on Sunday, following weeks of calls from other Democratic leaders to step down.

President Biden’s resignation marks the first time an incumbent nominee has stepped down from the presidential race since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, according to multiple reports. The shocking turn of events comes less than a month before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

In the weeks leading up to Sunday’s announcement, Biden struggled to maintain the confidence of other top democratic leaders after a dismal debate performance and recent battle with COVID-19.

Gov. Pritzker has joined several other top Democrats in endorsing Harris as Biden’s replacement and may reportedly be considered as a top pick for Vice President if Harris obtains the Democratic nomination, according to a report by NBC.