Gov. JB Pritzker and his new running mate, Christian Mitchell, downplayed any suggestions that the all-Chicago ticket gives short shrift to downstate interests.

At a formal campaign kickoff event Thursday morning in Chicago, Pritzker said, "through every challenge and every triumph, I have grown to love Illinois even more."

Mitchell’s candidacy ensures a person of color remains atop the ticket with Pritzker in his bid for a third term, as current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton gives up the post to run for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be relinquished by Dick Durbin.