With the surprise departure of President Joe Biden from the Democratic ticket, rumors have been swirling as to which politician will be named running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, currently in his second term running the state, is among those speculated to be on the short list of VP candidates. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly have also been mentioned nationally and might make more sense strategically. Regardless of the likelihood or Pritzker’s interest, the Illinois governor is getting a lot of buzz nationally.

Here’s a look at what others are saying about the potential of JB as VP:

Pritzker could help shore up support on ‘left flank’

USA TODAY named Pritzker among six frontrunners to be named Harris’ running mate, alongside Shapiro, Kelly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

Pritzker’s progressive agenda was considered to be a positive in the article, saying he could help keep wandering left-wingers attracted by third-party bids from from leaving the Democratic ranks.

"As governor of Illinois, Pritzker has garnered a more progressive reputation than some of the other Democrats being considered for the VP post," the article said. "Choosing him as a running mate might help Harris shore up support among the Democratic Party’s left flank."

The article also said that Pritzker’s wealth — estimated around $3 billion — could help fundraising. However, they did note llinois wasn’t a battleground state and probably wouldn’t help in carrying a surrounding state, such as all-important Wisconsin.

Pritzker needs to build up name recognition, poll suggests

The State Journal-Register in the capital of Illinois said Pritzker had some qualities that set him apart from past Illinois governors.

But the article noted polls show Pritzker needed to build up his image nationally.

"Prior to Biden’s decision to drop out, an ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 71% of those they surveyed held no opinion on the governor as a potential 2024 replacement," wrote Patrick Keck, statehouse reporter for the SJ-R.

Illinois governor has navigated serious issues

CNN, in listing Pritzker among eight possible contenders to be Harris’ running mate, said Pritzker has dealt with issues such as gun control and abortion which will likely be key selling points for a Democratic ticket come November.

"He’s led the state as it contends with increased demand for abortion care from women forced to travel from the South and Midwest in a post-Roe v. Wade era," CNN wrote. "In 2023, Pritzker signed an extensive ban on firearms and high-capacity magazines."

CNN also noted Pritzker had been in conflict with the Biden administration on the migrant crisis, warning officials in October 2023, alongside Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, that it was straining city services.

New York Magazine gives pros and cons for Pritzker

New York magazine put Pritzker among nine possible contenders for VP, saying that his words and deeds on abortion rights — through his Think Big America advocacy group — would be a positive for Harris on the ticket.

However, they also noted he wasn’t well known nationally compared to others like Kelly and Shapiro and that his immense riches may make him a difficult sell to middle-class voters struggling with inflation.

"He’s not very well known nationally, and putting the richest U.S. politician on the ticket may not go over well with some voters," New York Magazine wrote.

Pritzker: ‘I haven’t been vetted … yet’

While Pritzker’s name has been publicly thrown around, he said Tuesday morning during an appearance on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" that the campaign has yet to come with him for vetting purposes.

"I love being the governor of the state of Illinois, and I’ve been out on the campaign trail fighting hard for Democrats to win," Pritzker said. "It’s important to me that we win across the board and all across the United States. So I’m gonna continue to do that. And I’m very interested in making sure that Kamala Harris becomes the next president of the United States."

More from USA Today:Prosecutor vs. convicted felon: How Democrats believe Harris’ background changes the election

Presidential candidates — and running mates — from Illinois

If Pritzker were to be a part of the Democratic ticket, it would be the first time since 1936 that a vice-presidential candidate came from Illinois. That year, Kansas Gov. Alf Landon named Frank Knox, publisher of the Chicago Daily News, as his running mate on the Republican ticket.

The Landon/Knox ticket, despite being tipped to win by The Literary Digest’s infamous pre-election poll, was blown out by incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with Knox being of no help in Illinois, as FDR garnered the state’s 29 electoral votes. Interestingly enough, Knox became FDR’s Secretary of the Navy in 1940, serving throughout much of World War II.