Gov. JB Pritzker, the billionaire who has led Illinois since 2019, is facing what could be a crucial political test of his influence within the Democratic Party and of his own political future as Illinois voters head to the polls for the state primaries today.
The Chicago Democrat is seeking a rare third term. But his reelection race has taken on significance for Pritzker far beyond state politics — it is considered a potential springboard for a presidential campaign in 2028.
It’s also turning into a referendum on his ability to anoint political allies in the state as Pritzker’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Julia Stratton in the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin is making waves in a messy Democratic primary.
“I do think that if she wins the primary, that could definitely suggest that he has, you know, a lot of influence in Illinois.”
Forhdam political science professor Jacob Smith
Critics argue that Pritzker’s wealth and profile have given him outsize sway over the Illinois political apparatus, and some analysts suggest a win for Stratton could highlight Pritzker’s impact.
“I do think that if she wins the primary, that could definitely suggest that he has, you know, a lot of influence in Illinois,” said Jacob Smith, a political scientist at Fordham University who focuses on legislative politics, elections and policymaking, told MS NOW.
Eye on 2028?
The governor, a member of the wealthy Pritzker family that built the Hyatt hotel fortune, entered office after defeating former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018 and won re-election in 2022. If Pritzker is re-elected in November — he is running unopposed in today’s Democratic primary — he would become the first Illinois governor elected to three terms since the 1980s.
During his tenure he has championed a progressive policy agenda that includes legalizing recreational cannabis, raising the state’s minimum wage, expanding abortion protections and pursuing clean energy initiatives. Pritzker remains popular in Illinois, with polls showing that more than 50% of Illinoisans approve of the job he is doing as governor.
But beyond the state, Pritzker, 61, has gained a national political profile as an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, frequently condemning the president’s rhetoric, including his immigration policies, a posture that has elevated Pritzker’s visibility within the party and among Democratic voters. The governor was on the short list for Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate during her 2024 presidential campaign.
Democrats nationwide are closely watching the governor’s political trajectory. Pritzker has repeatedly declined to rule out a White House run in 2028, fueling speculation that he is positioning himself for just that.
“I’m not weighing that decision,” Pritzker said in a New York Times interview this month. “Listen, I’m proud and pleased that people think that my leadership is something that would put me on the stage as a potential presidential candidate.”
The governor, who said in a recent interview that “Donald Trump has made this world less safe,” credits his willingness to call out the president as the reason some view him as a possible contender for the Oval Office.
“The reasons that people are doing that have more to do with the conviction that I have offered on the subject of stepping between Donald Trump and the people of my state and protecting people and speaking out and being unafraid,” he told The New York Times. “I wish more Democratic politicians were doing that right now, and more politicians in general.”
Although Pritzker is unopposed, a strong showing for him in Tuesday’s primary could reinforce his standing as one of the Democratic Party’s most influential governors, and strengthen his argument that his brand of progressive governance can succeed in a large, diverse state. A weaker performance could complicate his national ambitions.
Durbin successor
Pritzker has faced criticism from state Democrats, who have been divided over his heavy involvement in other party contests, particularly in the Senate primary to replace retiring Sen. Durbin, 82.
Last spring, Pritzker endorsed Stratton for Senate over nine other Democratic contenders, including close competitors U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Pritzker has a long-running feud with Kelly after he pushed to oust her as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party.
Sitting governors don’t always take a direct role in a Senate primary. But if Stratton performs well, it could demonstrate Pritzker’s kingmaker potential via his financial backing and political network. If she loses, it could raise questions about whether the governor’s influence has limits — particularly among key Democratic constituencies such as Black voters, who play a pivotal role in presidential primaries.
Pritzker has poured millions of dollars into supporting Stratton, drawing criticism that his intervention risks deepening divisions within the party. Pritzker gave $5 million to the pro-Stratton Illinois Future PAC in December, according to federal campaign finance records.
Stratton was Pritzker’s running mate in the 2018 and 2022 elections, serving as his lieutenant governor during both terms.
“There’s some governors who don’t have very good relationships with their lieutenant governor, but if they do, it’s not super uncommon for a governor to weigh in on behalf of their lieutenant governor,” said Smith, the political scientist.
The Congressional Black Caucus, which can be a powerful force in Democratic presidential primaries, has lashed out at Pritzker’s deep involvement in the race.
“Governor Pritzker’s effort to tip the scales in Illinois’ U.S. Senate race is beyond frustrating for the Congressional Black Caucus,” CBC Chair Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., said in a statement. “A sitting governor shouldn’t be heavy-handing the race. Quite frankly, his behavior in this race won’t soon be forgotten by any of us.”
The caucus wants Pritzker to support one of its own rather than someone outside Congress. In June, the CBC endorsed Kelly and said it was “excited to continue to grow our representation” in the Senate.
Pritzker defended his decision to endorse Stratton.
“I would like a Black woman to represent us in the United States Senate. I just want the best person. She happens to be a Black woman,” he said at a news conference earlier this month. “By the way, I think I’ve proven for many years now that I stand with communities of color across the state and with candidates who are running for public office.”
Pritzker and Clarke’s office did not immediately respond to MS NOW’s request for comment.
Republican field in a blue state
On the Republican side, four candidates are vying for the chance to challenge Pritzker in November. All four GOP contenders have aligned themselves closely with Trump, though none has secured his endorsement.
The field includes former state Sen. Darren Bailey, who was the Republican nominee in 2022 and is seeking a rematch after losing to Pritzker. Also on the ballot are Ted Dabrowski, a conservative policy advocate and former Illinois Policy Institute executive; video gambling magnate Rick Heidner; and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.
The candidates have largely campaigned on familiar Republican themes in Illinois politics, including lowering taxes, reducing crime and challenging Democratic dominance in state government. Republicans argue that voter frustration over economic issues and public safety could make the race more competitive, although it is expected that the GOP nominee will face a difficult path in the general election in a state that has trended strongly blue in recent years.
Ebony Davis is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked at CNN as a campaign reporter covering elections and politics.