The Latest Breaking News from JB Pritzker

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison will be joined by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a co-chair of the DNC, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.

CHICAGO — Chicago was selected Tuesday to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a huge economic and prestigious postpandemic boon, and an acknowledgment the city’s progressive, pro-union values align with a Democratic Party that is seeking to boost its strength in a politically competitive Midwest.

The convention, to run Aug. 19-22, 2024, is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors to Chicago, which last hosted Democrats in 1996.

Chicago-area students at Harvard University peppered Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker with questions — on policy and politics — at a Monday forum.

“Nothing has changed,” the governor said. He and the attorney general said people will continue to have access to mifepristone while the legal saga plays out in the courts.

CHICAGO — Brandon Johnson will be looking to Springfield for help with parts of his estimated $450 million package of tax proposals, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker made clear after meeting Friday with Chicago’s mayor-elect that he doesn’t support a major component of the plan: a tax on financial transactions.

After their hour-long meeting, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said it was “great to have a real partner” in his plans for the city. And Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the mayor-elect “brings a real excitement to the job.” But both admitted they did not discuss tax issues they see differently.

Democratic gains this week in the swing states of Wisconsin and Michigan bolster the case for Chicago hosting the party’s quadrennial gathering.

Six candidates were competing in the runoff to replace retiring Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th) and Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. (21st).