Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has significant stakes in the Democratic National Convention taking place this week in Chicago. As a prominent figure in the Democratic Party during his second term, Pritzker is poised to address the convention tonight, showcasing his state throughout the event.
Pritzker played a key role in persuading the Democratic Party to host the convention in Chicago, and his reputation, along with the state’s image, depends on the event’s success and its ability to avoid disruption from protests. The convention presents an opportunity for Pritzker, as pointed out by Kent Redfield, a political science professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, who noted that Pritzker aims to bolster his national profile and demonstrate his capability as a leader.
At 59 years old, Pritzker is an heir to the Hyatt hotels fortune, boasting a personal wealth of approximately $3.5 billion. His family’s legacy in the hotel industry began when his uncle purchased a motel in 1957 near Los Angeles, which evolved into the first Hyatt hotel, benefiting from the rise in air travel in the U.S.
Pritzker’s political journey began with a failed primary run for Congress in 1997. He later invested his resources into his successful gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Not only has he funded his campaigns, but he has also financed Democratic candidates and initiated a political action committee, Think Big America, which has advocated for abortion rights and has mounted campaigns against Donald Trump, particularly during this year’s Republican National Convention.
During his tenure, Pritzker has pushed forward legislation to enhance abortion access, establish a statewide child tax credit, provide healthcare for undocumented immigrants, and significantly expand public preschool programs. He is credited with stabilizing Illinois’ finances, improving the state’s credit rating, and alleviating debt burdens. However, Illinois’ public employee pension funds remain critically underfunded, and Pritzker has sought additional revenue through the legalization of recreational marijuana and sports betting.
Despite his accomplishments, Pritzker faces criticism from Republicans who attribute ongoing challenges in Illinois, such as gun violence in Chicago, declining population, and high property taxes, to his leadership. His re-election in 2022 brought him into the national spotlight, where he has been vocal against Trump, even referring to him in his victory speech.
A supporter of President Joe Biden, Pritzker was instrumental in obtaining the convention for Chicago and quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris when Biden withdrew from the race. Recently, he has intensified his criticisms of Trump, labeling him a “congenital liar” and a “flatulent old man.”
Illinois does not impose term limits on its governors, and Pritzker has yet to declare his intentions regarding a potential third term in 2026.