Illinois Governor JB Pritzker officially launched his campaign for a third term on Thursday, positioning himself as a defender of the state against what he termed the chaos brought by President Donald Trump and his allies in Congress.
Pritzker spoke at the Grand Crossing Park Field House, the same venue where he announced his first gubernatorial run in 2017. His address emphasized the progressive achievements secured during his first seven years in office as a counter-narrative to the ‘chaos and craziness’ emerging from Washington.
Reflecting on a challenging economic landscape characterized by soaring costs, Pritzker decried the rise of what he called ‘fascist freak show fanatics.’ He articulated a vision for Illinois, echoing the sentiments of a collective of Illinoisans who aim to fight for working families across the state.
In front of a packed gym, Pritzker, flanked by his wife MK, declared, ‘There is power in saying out loud: The story of Illinois is not set in stone.’ He emphasized a sense of pride in the state, saying that the narrative has evolved and that every Illinois resident contributes to this ongoing story.
He articulated a purposeful connection to each of his runs for governor, stating, ‘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.’
During his campaign kick-off, which included four stops across the state — Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield — Pritzker touted key legislative victories. These accomplishments range from the legalization of marijuana and the banning of assault weapons to expanded abortion rights and nine upgrades of the state’s credit rating.
Although the governor avoided mentioning Trump’s name directly during his speech, he did allude to the ‘megalomaniac narcissist in the White House’ and his ‘malignant clown car in Congress.’ Before his campaign launch, Pritzker released a video outlining his vision, stating, ‘Donald Trump’s made clear he’ll stop at nothing to get his way. I’m not about to stand by and let them tear down all we’re building in Illinois.’
While Pritzker’s primary focus was on attacking Trump, he gave little attention to the Illinois Republican Party, which currently holds a superminority status in the state legislature. His approach prompts speculation about his ambitions beyond the state, particularly regarding a potential presidential bid in 2028.
When asked by reporters if he would serve a full third term, Pritzker emphasized his commitment to Illinois, stating, ‘I want to be governor of Illinois. That’s four more years.’ Additionally, he remained tight-lipped about who might join him as a running mate for the March 2026 primary, especially following the announcement that Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton would be leaving the administration to run for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin.
Pritzker committed to announcing his running mate ‘shortly,’ and highlighted the importance of finding someone who meets the high standards set by Stratton and who has a genuine commitment to the people of Illinois.
His campaign announcement not only formalizes his intention to seek reelection but also adds a layer to the broader political landscape in Illinois, especially in light of Durbin’s retirement. Had Pritzker opted against seeking a third term, it was anticipated that former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel would have pursued a statewide run.
As Pritzker prepares for the upcoming election, several Republican candidates have emerged to challenge him. Among those running are former DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, south suburban mechanic Phil Perez, and former north suburban congressional candidate Joseph Severino. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood and Cook County GOP chair Aaron Del Mar are also considering entering the race.
In response to Pritzker’s reelection announcement, Illinois GOP chair Kathy Salvi remarked, ‘These last nearly eight years under [Pritzker’s] governance merit firing, not rehiring. While businesses and families flee, Pritzker sees Illinois as nothing more than a stepping stone for the White House.’
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Pritzker’s strategic focus appears to be on consolidating support within Illinois while setting a foundation for his future ambitions, challenging the Trump administration’s influence while seeking to reassure voters about his commitment to the state.
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