Pritzker, Durbin, Duckworth endorse VP Kamala Harris as she secures enough delegates for nomination
Harris expected in Indiana, Wisconsin this week
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Gov. JB Pritzker and Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have joined many other Democrats in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election.
The endorsements came after President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Harris.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
By Monday night, Harris had secured commitments from enough delegates to win the nomination if they honor their commitment, making her the presumptive Democratic nominee, ABC News reports.
She has secured commitments from at least 2,208 delegates, which is well past the 1,975 delegates needed to clinch the nomination. Those commitments are not binding.
While Gov. Pritzker had been floated as a possible challenger for the nomination, he dismissed those notions and endorsed Harris fully.
In a statement Monday morning, Pritzker said in part, "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."
Pritzker is also considered a contender for Harris' pick for a running mate.
LIVE BLOG: Timeline: The end of Biden's 2024 presidential campaign
Durbin also released a statement Monday 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."
"She called me last night in Springfield and we talked for a few minutes, and she asked me for my endorsement and I gave it to her," he also told reporters at a Monday press conference.
Duckworth also endorsed Harris saying, "I am proud to endorse @KamalaHarris and will do everything I can to ensure she has the support needed to win. Right now, Democrats must be fully united and put ALL of our energy into preventing Trump and his MAGA allies from rolling back all the freedoms and progress we've made."
Similar sentiments were shared by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
"I think there will be a process for allowing for anyone else who wants to enter the fray to do so. But I think that, you know, Kamala Harris is gonna be a formidable contender," Rep. Raja Krisnamoorthi said. "And so, I think they also want the process to unfold. All that being said, I'm supporting Kamala Harris through this process in my hometown of Chicago at the Democratic National Convention, which will be let's say, must see TV at this point."
Harris is now clearly running as the presumptive Democratic nominee, even though the heads of the DNC said thy won't lay out the actual nominating process until Wednesday. Many in the party quickly came together as the Democratic National Convention is only four weeks away.
"I see this thing consolidating very fast," said State House Speaker Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "Strong women had been the backbone of the Democratic Party for a very long time. And they continue to be the backbone of the Democratic Party and folks are recognizing that quickly."
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon also endorsed Harris Monday.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is co-chairing the Harris campaign, shut down talk about being a potential VP pick.
"I am not leaving Michigan, I'm proud to be the governor of Michigan, I've been consistent, I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over, I know you're going your job. I'm not going anywhere," she said.
Harris, who said she plans to earn the nomination, so far does not appear to be facing any rivals in her campaign to be president; just those interested in being her running mate.
President Biden called into her event at the campaign's Wilmington, Del., headquarters, telling staffers, "I know yesterday's news is surprising and is hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do."
"The name has changed at the top of the ticket but the mission hasn't changed at all," he added.
Biden said he plans to join Harris on the campaign trail in the battleground states "very aggressively" as soon as the doctor gives him the COVID all-clear. Harris also reaffirmed to staffers she intends to "earn the nomination" and the election.
"Over the next 106 days we are going to take our case to the American people and we are going to win," she said.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said it was important for him to endorse Harris right away, saying it was personal as a father of a daughter and politically motivated.
"Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated an extraordinary amount of poise, class and leadership. That's why my endorsement for her right away was so critical because it's time for us to unite this country," he said.
Illinois Republicans, however, say President Biden stepping down only propels them to a win this November.
"We have everything we need to be successful," Illinois GOP spokesperson Aaron Del Mar said. "The Democrats are starting from scratch right now. They need to build not only a candidate but then a narrative behind that candidate."
"Vice President Harris is linked to President Biden in his failed agenda at the hip." Illinois Republican Party Chairperson Kathy Salvi said. "I can't think of any success that she's achieved."
Many voters said the decision by Biden did not come as much of a shock.
"The Democrats were basically telling him it was time, so it was time," voter Ron Washington said.
"I knew that it was coming. I think it's the best choice for the Democratic Party to try to move forward," voter Gil More said. "I don't think they could've secured a win with him. I'm not sure if they can now but I think it's a better option."
"Between his age and just his capacity, I think it was time for him to step down," voter Sandra Lee said. "I wish he had done it sooner so the Democratic Party could find somebody sooner."
Harris may be the early favorite to lead the Democratic ticket for November, after Biden endorsed her.
"I'm not a Democrat or a Republican I would say, but definitely a better choice than how it was going," voter Onya Kempel said.
But some said they'd like to see other potential candidates step forward.
"I'm not really happy with Kamala Harris. It's the same administration that's caused a lot of problems," voter Malek Lababiti said.
"I'm open to anything. I mean, this is kind of unprecedented," Lee said.
Harris is expected to be in Milwaukee on Tuesday and Indianapolis Wednesday.
Full statement from Governor Pritzker:
"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."
