It’s Pritzker 3.0: Governor launches reelection campaign amid White House speculation
Gov. JB Pritzker embarked on his third gubernatorial campaign Thursday, with the prospect of a presidential run looming in the background.
“I ran for governor in 2018 to change our story. I ran for governor in 2022 to keep telling our story. And I am running for governor in 2026 to protect our story,” Pritzker told supporters at Grand Crossing Park Field House in Chicago, where he announced his first campaign in 2017.
“Because our story is now one of fiscal responsibility, of social accountability, of modern adaptability. Our story values love over hate, courage over fear, kindness over cruelty,” he added.
Despite rampant speculation he’ll run for president in 2028, banking a formidable war chest and making multiple appearances across the country to raise his profile, Pritzker kept higher ambitions under wraps in his speech.
“What an honor … what a privilege it has been … to hold a job where my highest obligation … my greatest responsibility … is to love this place I call home,” he said.
The progressive Democrat came into office in 2019 facing a state burdened by unpaid bills, after years without a budget under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.
His campaign touted the fact Pritzker this month signed his seventh balanced budget, although next fiscal year is expected to bring major financial challenges.
However, he noted Thursday that there’s no “Mission Accomplished” banner to stand under.
“Illinois, we have made big progress over these last seven years — but we have big challenges ahead. And while it is certainly tempting to lay all of this at the feet of the megalomaniac narcissist in the White House and his malignant clown car in Congress, the hard truth is, we all share some of the blame,” Pritzker said.
Digs at President Donald Trump, who has fire back, have been a hallmark of Pritzker’s tenure. The tensions escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Pritzker critical of the president’s handling of the crisis.
A billionaire whose family founded Hyatt hotels, Pritzker logged key legislative victories in his first term including the massive Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The Chicagoan worked to make Illinois a refuge for women seeking abortions when Roe v. Wade fell three years ago, and has championed criminal justice reforms and labor rights.
One intriguing question is who will be Pritzker’s running mate. Current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is running in the 2026 Democratic primary for outgoing U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat. Pritzker didn’t address the issue Thursday.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi had a quick response to the announcement, saying the governor’s “first two terms have been nothing short of a total failure.”
“He’s prioritized illegal immigrants over Illinois families, hiked taxes, and rammed through the largest, most bloated budget in state history. He has used and abused the fine people of Illinois, allowing heavy handed government to meddle in the lives and safety of ordinary Illinoisans.
“These last nearly eight years under his governance merits firing not rehiring. While businesses and families flee, Pritzker sees Illinois as nothing more than a steppingstone for the White House.”
That said, Pritzker has won his last two elections by substantial margins.
“I'm excited to support him in his reelection, and we're focused on working together to elect Democrats up and down in the ballot in 2026 — because it's such a critical election for the country,” Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash said.
Democratic State Central Committee member Kristina Zahorik of Green Oaks said she looks forward to Pritzker’s reelection “so he can continue his progressive and active policies to promote economic growth and to protect all Illinoisans during these challenging times.”
Pritzker also paid tribute to his staff, children and wife, MK.
“I see her smiling at families watching the parades, or bidding against me for the prize steer at the state fair, or sitting across from me at our kitchen table advocating for incarcerated women, or writing a book about our state’s history and the Governor’s mansion,” he said.