CHICAGO (WGN) — This week kicks off one of the most important summers of JB Pritzker’s life.
The two-term governor will soon reveal whether he intends to seek a third term, but that decision may be inextricably linked to speculation he’d like to test the 2028 White House waters. Does he run for governor and then run for president?
In his post legislative session meeting with reporters Monday, Pritzker offered a national message that drew contrasts with President Donald Trump.
“Unlike the federal government, we are balancing our budget for the benefit of your families while Trump spends wildly to benefit his family and their DOGE-bro friends,” he said. “He’s cutting health care and food for children and seniors and moms and dad while Illinois prioritizes them.”
The Illinois budget, passed late Saturday, boosts K-12 education funding, provides special grants for safety-net hospitals, helps controls the cost of prescription drugs, and offers direct college admission for eligible high schoolers.
But the governor did not get everything he wanted. A ban on cellphones in schools, township consolidation, and a measure to allow community colleges the ability to offer four-year degrees did not win approval of the legislature.
“Things take sometimes longer than one session to get done,” Pritzker said.
Republicans say the budget was all about advancing Pritzker’s political future.
“It’s a bridge fund for a governor who has been adamant doing everything he can to audition to be president of the United States for 2028,” said State Rep. Ryan Spain, the House Deputy Minority Leader.
Pritzker’s national stature has been growing with appearances on TV and a recent stop in New Hampshire, but before he can fulfil any national ambitions, Pritzker must handle business here at home.
If Pritzker decides on a White House run, it’s likely a couple of years before he would launch a campaign. He’s said he’ll make an announcement about the 2026 governor’s race before Cook County Democratic Party slating on July 17.