Illinois Governor JB Pritzker made a notable appearance at the Democratic National Convention, delivering a fervent speech that criticized Donald Trump and voiced his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid.
Speaking to a supportive crowd from the Illinois delegation at the United Center, Pritzker embraced his status as a billionaire, a perspective that has often alienated candidates in both major parties. “Donald Trump wants us to trust him on the economy because he claims to be rich,” Pritzker stated. “But take it from an actual billionaire—Trump is rich in only one thing: stupidity.”
Pritzker, worth approximately $3.4 billion due to his family’s Hyatt Hotels fortune, is the wealthiest currently elected official in the U.S. Throughout his political career, including his two gubernatorial campaigns, he has not hesitated to invest heavily in his own campaign and those of fellow Democrats.
His remarks about wealth came shortly after Senator Bernie Sanders urged the need to limit the influence of big money in politics. Pritzker defended his financial contributions by highlighting the significant sums spent against him by billionaire donors supporting his Republican opponents, including Richard Uihlein and Ken Griffin.
Pritzker mentioned his vast financial commitment in the 2018 race to defeat Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, emphasizing his strategy of self-funding to remain competitive in a landscape dominated by wealthy Republican donors. Despite initial skepticism from some progressive Democrats fearful of running a billionaire, Pritzker positioned himself as a lifelong Democrat committed to the party’s values.
In his DNC speech, he aimed to connect economic and social issues, asserting that business leaders were in dire need of workers—an issue he attributed to what he characterized as the “anti-freedom” policies of MAGA Republicans. He championed Illinois’ stance as an abortion rights destination, criticizing restrictive laws in surrounding states and emphasizing the importance of family-friendly policies.
Pritzker has made substantial investments in advancing abortion rights nationally, founding an organization aimed at supporting referendums related to the issue. His efforts in securing Chicago as the DNC’s host city showcased his commitment, as he undertook extensive preparations and financial investments for the event.
The governor seized the opportunity to showcase his influence, participating in media appearances and hosting a high-profile party featuring John Legend following the convention’s conclusion.
While he has used his wealth to bolster his role within the Democratic Party, Pritzker echoed sentiments of a previous failed initiative—the graduated income tax campaign, stressing the importance of tax cuts for everyday people and reiterating his commitment to progressive taxation. This promise is reminiscent of his messaging during the campaign for the “Fair Tax,” which ultimately did not pass despite significant investment.