Gov. Pritzker to pursue a third term amidst speculations

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    CHICAGO — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is gearing up to run for a third term next year amid speculation about his future political aspirations beyond the state level. The announcement is set to be made in Chicago on Thursday, as revealed by individuals acquainted with his strategy but not yet authorized to discuss it officially.

    Pritzker, known for his considerable wealth and prior involvement in businesses, was previously considered as a potential vice-presidential pick during Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign. His national political activities have raised his profile, and he has been a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump.

    Speculation continues around whether Pritzker might pursue a presidential run in the future, bolstered by his promotional activities in states like New Hampshire and his fundraising efforts to support Democratic candidates nationwide. During a commencement speech at Knox College in June, Pritzker emphasized the importance of being on the “right side of history,” addressing the challenges faced by public officials today.

    Illinois, which lacks restrictions on the number of terms a governor can serve, last saw a governor seek a third term with Republican Jim Thompson in 1982. Pritzker, the heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, entered the political arena by becoming governor in 2019, marking his initial success in public office after an earlier bid for Congress in 1998.

    His ascent in state politics started with a victory over a crowded field in the Democratic primary, followed by defeating Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Their 2018 contest ranks among the priciest state political races, with both candidates funding their campaigns heavily. Throughout his career, Pritzker has faced scrutiny over personal wealth, including issues like the property tax break connected to a secondary mansion deemed uninhabitable following toilet removal. He addressed the controversy by repaying approximately $330,000 in taxes.

    With strong Democratic majorities in the legislature, Pritzker has championed fiscal responsibility through balanced budgets and debt reduction, attracting positive financial reviews. His tenure also features increased educational funding, streamlined early childhood services, and legislation enhancing health insurance coverage and accessibility.

    Pritzker’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic garnered approval in his initial term, leading to his re-election with 55% of the vote against a Trump-supported Republican opponent. His victory speech hinted at broader ambitions as he criticized Trump and rallied supporters by asking if they were “ready to fight.”

    His vocal opposition to Trump has persisted, with Pritzker sharply criticizing Trump’s 2024 aspirations and character following a convention speech, and previously drawing parallels between the Trump administration and Nazi Germany in a February address. Pritzker connects his advocacy, notably for abortion rights, to personal experiences, influenced by his mother’s activism and tragic death, and later by his father’s early passing.

    Financing his political initiatives, Pritzker supports “Think Big America,” an organization backing abortion rights and campaigning for state amendments in places like Ohio and Nevada to bolster those protections. Outside his political commitments, Pritzker’s family includes several distinguished members, notably his sister Penny Pritzker, former commerce secretary under President Obama.