JB Pritzker announces reelection bid as Illinois governor amid 2028 speculation

On Thursday, June 25, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, Democratic Governor JB Pritzker officially launched his bid for a third term as governor, with a campaign video outlining his accomplishments. Framing his run against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's administration, Pritzker highlighted issues such as affordability and healthcare, while taking aim at Trump's tariffs and economic policies. In his message, he referenced his record of seven balanced budgets, increased minimum wages, and various social initiatives. Pritzker's announcement also comes amid ongoing speculation about his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028. As one of Trump's most vocal critics within the Democratic Party, he has leveraged his wealth and influence from his family's Hyatt hotel fortune to raise his profile as a national figure. His focus during this election cycle seems to not only emphasize defending his governorship but also positioning himself within the broader Democratic strategy as the party rebuilds after recent election setbacks. The significance of Pritzker’s bid lies not only in its timing but also in the potential challenges he faces in garnering support against Republican opposition, specifically highlighting his confrontational stance against Trump's policies which many within his party see as a double-edged sword. Critics from the Republican Governors Association have accused Pritzker of failing the state and focusing more on national ambitions than local governance. As he embarks on this campaign, Pritzker will likely need to navigate these criticisms while maintaining his coalition of support among Illinois voters, especially as Republican challengers are already positioning themselves in anticipation of the 2026 election. His campaign will focus on several key issues relevant to his constituency, aiming to secure a third consecutive win in a state which has not witnessed a three-term governor in over thirty years.