Overview

• Pritzker aims to become the first Illinois governor since the 1980s to win more than two terms by formally announcing his bid for a third term
• He faces a largely uncontested Democratic primary next March while potential Republican challengers have not yet declared
• His two terms have delivered progressive reforms, including a sweeping ban on high-powered semiautomatic firearms, enshrined abortion rights, legalized recreational marijuana and a $15 minimum wage
• Under his stewardship Illinois earned its first credit rating upgrades in decades through disciplined budgeting, though critics cite pandemic-era shutdowns and ongoing child welfare agency failures
• Funded largely by his own wealth—he spent nearly $350 million on prior races—Pritzker has publicly broached a run for the presidency in 2028