SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — With more than a year left until the 2026 general election, Governor J.B. Pritzker has officially kicked off his campaign for a third term, pointing to economic reforms, improved credit ratings, and opposition to federal policies as key motivators.
“One by one, we have taken on the big problems of Illinois, and we have begun to or completely solve them,” Pritzker said during his statewide launch tour. “But we’ve got more work to do.”
Multi-City Kickoff Focuses on State’s Economic Recovery
The Democratic governor made stops in Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield to formally begin his re-election push, emphasizing Illinois’ shift toward fiscal stability under his leadership. He also scheduled additional appearances in Belleville and West Frankfort.
Pritzker cited Illinois’ credit recovery efforts, noting that the state is now moving toward an AA credit rating — a significant shift after 25 years of credit downgrades.
In remarks reported by WCIA, Pritzker said he’s motivated to stay in office due to concerns over national leadership, particularly under former President Donald Trump.
“It feels like walking away is the wrong thing to do,” Pritzker said, “given who is in the White House and how this administration is attacking people all across this country.”
GOP Criticism Highlights Budget Concerns
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) responded to the announcement by criticizing the governor’s fiscal record. She pointed to what she described as budget “gimmicks” and predicted a $1 billion shortfall in the FY27 budget.
“You’re not going to be able to hide what’s been done in the last two terms,” McCombie said. “That’s a lot of sweeps and gimmicks.”
McCombie also suggested Pritzker’s frequent criticism of Trump hints at future presidential ambitions, adding, “You’d think he was running against Trump for governor.”
2028 Speculation and Running Mate Uncertainty
Pritzker declined to confirm whether he intends to run for president in 2028, despite previously being floated as a potential vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris.
“Every day I wake up and try to figure out what more can I do for the people of Illinois as governor,” he told reporters.
The governor is also preparing to name a new running mate after Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announced her run for the U.S. Senate. Pritzker said he plans to reveal his new running mate before the end of July.
If re-elected, Pritzker would become Illinois’ longest-serving governor since Jim Thompson, who served until 1991.
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