SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker has announced his pick for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.

According to Pritzker’s office, experienced government leader Christian Mitchell will join the ticket. The announcement was made Tuesday morning in a video posted to YouTube.

Mitchell is a former three-term state representative and current First Lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard. He also served as Deputy Governor for over four years.

“Christian Mitchell is a proven leader with deep experience, steady judgment, and an unshakable commitment to the working families of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Whether it’s transforming our clean energy future, rebuilding our infrastructure, or keeping our communities safe, Christian has been a force behind so much of our progress. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to continue delivering results for the people of Illinois.

According to the release, Mitchell began his career as a community organizer on Chicago’s South Side, before going on to serve as a state representative and the first African American executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

“There is no one who fights harder for working families than Governor JB Pritzker and I am deeply honored to be his choice for Lieutenant Governor,” said Christian Mitchell. “The Governor has led with courage and compassion, and together we’ve built a foundation that’s moving Illinois forward. I’m ready to build on that progress—lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and making sure every community has the resources and opportunities they deserve. This is about delivering real results for the people of Illinois, and I’m excited to get to work.”

Pritzker selected Mitchell after his current Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announced she is running for US Senate.