Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has significant stakes in the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Serving his second term, Pritzker is emerging as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and is set to address the convention tonight, promoting his state throughout the week.
Pritzker played a crucial role in bringing the convention to Chicago, and the success of the event will impact both his reputation and that of the state, especially amid potential protests and its influence on Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign.
“It’s Pritzker’s convention,” remarked Kent Redfield, a political science professor at the University of Illinois Springfield. He emphasized that this serves as a platform for Pritzker to gain national recognition and demonstrate his leadership capabilities.
At 59, Pritzker is a billionaire, inheriting wealth from the Hyatt hotel chain, which began with a motel purchased by one of his uncles in 1957. After a failed congressional bid in 1997, he used his personal fortune to successfully campaign for governor in 2018. He has since supported other Democratic campaigns and founded a political action committee focused on abortion rights, which played a role in the recent Republican National Convention.
Under Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has enacted laws that enhance abortion access, reflecting the issue’s significance in the upcoming presidential race. His initiatives also include a state child tax credit, healthcare for undocumented immigrants, and expanded public preschool programs.
Pritzker is credited with addressing a financial crisis in the state, improving Illinois’ credit rating, and reducing state debts. He has also initiated measures to strengthen public employee pension funds, although these funds remain severely underfunded. His administration has increased state revenue through the legalization of recreational marijuana and sports betting.
Despite these accomplishments, Pritzker faces criticism from Republicans relating to ongoing challenges such as gun violence in Chicago, population decline, and high property taxes.
His re-election in 2022 attracted more national attention and allowed him to amplify his critiques of Republican nominee Donald Trump. In his victory speech, he emphasized the importance of defending the United States from Trump.
As a prominent fundraiser for President Joe Biden, Pritzker was instrumental in securing the convention for Chicago and was quick to endorse Vice President Harris after Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Lately, he has intensified his critiques of Trump, labeling him a “congenital liar” and an “old man.”
Illinois does not impose term limits on governors, and Pritzker has not indicated whether he will seek a third term in 2026.