Billionaire Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in spotlight as Chicago hosts DNC

The Democratic National Convention is currently taking place in Chicago, highlighting the city's political significance. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a member of the affluent Pritzker family, is a prominent figure at the event. The Pritzker family, ranked as the sixth-wealthiest in America by Forbes in 2024, boasts a combined net worth of approximately $41.6 billion, largely attributed to their ownership of the Hyatt Hotels brand, which was acquired in 1957. Governor Pritzker, who has an estimated personal wealth of $3.5 billion, is recognized as the richest politician in the United States. He has been serving as Illinois governor since 2019 and was re-elected in 2022. A significant Democratic donor, Pritzker has a history of involvement in national politics, having co-chaired Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. He was also considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, although she ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The Pritzker family's influence extends beyond J.B. Pritzker. His sister, Penny Pritzker, served as U.S. Commerce Secretary under President Obama from 2013 to 2017 and was a national co-chair for Obama’s 2012 campaign. She is the founder and chair of PSP Partners, a private investment firm, and leads Harvard Corporation, the university's powerful oversight board, with her net worth estimated at $3.6 billion.