The Honorable Christian Mitchell is running as the lieutenant governor running mate to Governor J.B. Pritzker. Mitchell served in the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 26th District from 2013 to 2019. During the 2018 election, he served as executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. He later became Vice President for Civil Engagement at the University of Chicago.
N’DIGO sat down with Mitchell to discuss politics, his career in public service, and a transformative experience during his school years that changed the course of his life.
N’DIGO: Who is Christian Mitchell?
Christian Mitchell: I am Debbie’s son. My mother is Debbie, and James is my grandfather. They raised me. My mother was an intensive care nurse, and my grandfather was a Korean War veteran and a steelworker. We went to church every Sunday. They taught me about hard work. I am a product of excellent tutelage. I grew up in Westchester and Maywood. My mom bought her first house in Westchester, and my grandparents lived in Maywood.
My mom worked the night shift, and we spent much time in Maywood. I attended Montessori Grammar School on North Avenue and St. Joseph’s High School in Westchester, a Catholic school that is now closed. I started college at the University of Chicago and majored in Public Policy.
What is your political interest?
I feel very lucky to run for Lt. Governor. I was a State Rep for six years, from 2013 to 2019, in the 26th District; I was Deputy Governor, a high-level staff position. I worked on public safety, energy, and infrastructure like roads and bridges. In that capacity, I got good things done. I paved the way for new opportunities for people of color. I was lucky as an elected official because I talked to many people: farmers and manufacturers. I connected with people across the state of Illinois. No matter where you are, you get a shot at the American dream.
Tell me about your legislative action on the Funding of Education.
In 2017, I co-sponsored and introduced House Bill 4272 during the 99th General Assembly, aiming to prioritize elementary and secondary education spending and immediately direct over $200 million to needy school districts.
Basically, education dollars are distributed in tiers; systems needing the most money, like Chicago and Rockford, would be first in line for funding. It works only if money is put in. JB has put $3 billion into education in the past 8 years. We have suffered from a teacher shortage, and we passed a bill to increase the minimum wage for teachers to $40,000, with inflation adjustments. We have hired about 12,000 additional teachers across the state.
What do you do if you have a difference of opinion with Pritizer?
He roots for the Cubs, and I root for the White Sox. We think about things mostly the same way. WE discuss major things. He likes a challenge. My job is to make the argument and then go sell the policy.
What do you think the Democratic Party nationally should do to regain power?
We made a mistake by just focusing on Trump. What are we for? A lot of ways to make the case for Illinois are a national effort. People need to thrive, not just survive. Key issues are lowering the cost of living, not being engaged in trade wars. The Democratic Party is raising wealth, lowering costs, and focusing on future problems, not just looking at the administration of the past; people will be receptive and respond on a national level.
You are a part of a different generation; what do you bring to the table?
What is needed is a new vision for the future in this changing world of technology. How can these models help us be more productive? Technology is here to stay. Some jobs are of the past; be ready for the jobs in the future. My favorite author is James Baldwin, who says we are prisoners of our time. We try to keep generational friends with wisdom and knowledge, and meet possibility and opportunity with collective knowledge for new problems. What is new is groundbreaking, and what is new is old wine in new bottles.
Why are young people not voting?
There are many reasons. They should vote. A generation has been raised to think politics doesn’t apply to them. Many still live at home with their parents. Some feel failed by politicians. Some have gone to college and still can’t get a job. There is a lack of trust in government; government hasn’t done much for them. People aren’t engaged because they don’t see proof of government action. They are asking, “What are you doing for me? uglj, ” We need young people to get involved.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Less interested in what I want to be, more interested in what I want to do.
I want to be the kind of public servant who answers the hard questions. What is the vision for the future? How do we make life better? I want to address poverty and climate change. I want a chance to be the husband and father I never had. I want to grow as a Christian. I want my mother to be exceptionally proud of me. I ask myself, “How do I make the State of Illinois better and how do I become a better version of myself“?
*The Illinois Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Gubernatorial election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Key dates and resources for voters leading up to Election Day include:
- Early Voting & Mail-In Votingbegan on September 24, 2026. You can locate polling places and check local hours via the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Registration and Mail-In Deadlines: Check official state voter portals to verify specific deadlines for paper registration, online voter registration, and mail-in ballot requests
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September 28, 2026 at 08:36AM
