Pritzker, a possible 2028 presidential contender, is running on unfinished business rather than bold proposals. He’s left tax overhauls to lawmakers and pushed blame for high property taxes onto local governments as state budget pressures mount.
Gov. JB Pritzker and state Senate candidate Karen Battaglia canvass a neighborhood Oct. 20, 2026, in Cary. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker mingles with attendees after speaking with the 37th Ward Democrats, to rally supporters and encourage early voting on Chicago’s West Side, on Oct. 27, 2026. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets supporters as he arrives for a canvass kickoff event for state Senate candidate Michele Clark at her campaign office on Oct. 20, 2026, in East Dundee. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and state Senate candidate Karen Battaglia depart after canvassing at the home of Jason and Dawn Brusa on Oct. 20, 2026, in Cary. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets voters during a campaign event on Oct. 19, 2026, at the Paul G. Stewart Center senior community in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker walks a hallway after his gubernatorial debate with Republican nominee challenger Darren Bailey at the WTTW-Ch. 11 on Oct. 13, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Candidate for Lt. Gov. Christian Mitchell and Gov. JB Pritzker wave as they march in the 2026 Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village on Sept. 13, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker, left, and Republican nominee challenger Darren Bailey prepare for their gubernatorial debate at WTTW-Ch. 11 on Oct. 13, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets people as he kicks off a bus tour for his reelection campaign on Aug. 26, 2026, at Painters District Council #14 in Chicago’s West Loop. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a press conference to announce the expansion of Illinois’ medical debt relief program on Oct. 15, 2026, in the Cook County Health Building. (Arthur Maiorella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker, right, and running mate Christian Mitchell kick off a bus tour for the reelection campaign on Aug. 26, 2026, near Adler Planetarium in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Members of the App Drivers Union cheer as Gov. JB Pritzker speaks while he kicks off a bus tour for his reelection campaign on Aug. 26, 2026, at Painters District Council 14 in Chicago’s West Loop. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker jogs to the stage before speaking during Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 19, 2026, in Springfield. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker, from left, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton stand onstage before speaking during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 19, 2026. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker, right, and running mate Christian Mitchell stand on the stage during the Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association brunch at the Bank of Springfield Center ahead of Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 19, 2026. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker talks with a supporter before taking the stage during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 19, 2026. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker talks with homeowner Denisha Dade while touring storm damage on Aug. 14, 2026, in Lansing. State officials toured the neighborhood where fallen trees continued to block roads and sidewalks, four days after an EF-1 tornado swept through the area. (Arthur Maiorella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker arrives for the WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center on July 25, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker marches in the 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade, June 28, 2026, in the Lakeview neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker waves to the crowd as he holds a Puerto Rican flag during the 48th Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade along West Division Street in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood on June 13, 2026. (Josh Boland/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker takes questions at a news conference hours after the end of the spring legislative session at the State Capitol, June 1, 2026, in Springfield. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during an interview on March 18, 2026, after his primary election victory. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker chats with Patricia Kime outside the damaged home she shares with her husband, granddaughter and great-grandson in Aroma Park, March 12, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker arrives for his annual State of the State and budget address on Feb. 18, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker pays his respects after leaving flowers at a memorial on Jan. 28, 2026, for Alex Pretti outside the Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center in Chicago. Pretti, an ICU nurse, was fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker hands out candy canes to passengers while riding the CTA Holiday Train, Dec. 3, 2025, on the Orange Line "L." (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Gov. JB Pritzker attend a No Kings rally in Grant Park in response to President Donald Trump’s increased immigration enforcement actions in the area, on Oct. 18, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is joined by first lady MK Pritzker during a rally to kick off his reelection campaign for a third term as governor at the Grand Crossing Park Field House in Chicago on June 26, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets supporters after announcing his bid for a third term on June 26, 2025, at the Grand Crossing Park Field House in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a rally to kick off his reelection campaign for a third term as governor at the Grand Crossing Park Field House in Chicago on June 26, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a rally to kick off his reelection campaign for a third term as governor at the Grand Crossing Park Field House in Chicago on June 26, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker watches Ald. Michelle Harris, 8th, speak on TV while waiting backstage during a rally to kick off his reelection campaign for a third term as governor at the Grand Crossing Park Field House in Chicago on June 26, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets legislators as he arrives with his wife, MK Pritzker, to deliver his annual budget address on Feb. 19, 2025, in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker announces the Illinois delegation's ceremonial votes during the roll call for Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the vice presidential nominee during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 20, 2024. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker presides over the swearing-in ceremony in the newly renovated Senate chamber on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Ninth Congressional District candidates JB Pritzker, left, state Sen. Howard Carroll and state Rep. Jan Schakowsky wait for their cue to step onto a stage at the beginning of a debate on Jan. 25, 1998, at the Ezra Habonim Synagogue in Skokie. (John Lee/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks with reporters inside his ceremonial office on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Illinois Capitol building in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Gov. JB Pritzker watch as Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during his inauguration on May 15, 2023, at the Credit Union 1 Arena. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and his wife, MK, walk off stage after dancing at the inauguration celebration at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Jan. 14, 2019, in Springfield. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker visits the convention floor on Aug. 18, 2024, before the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker delivers his combined State of the State and budget address on Feb. 19, 2025, at the Illinois Capitol building in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker, left, former President Barack Obama, Pritzker running mate Juliana Stratton and 14th District hopeful Lauren Underwood show Democratic unity at the UIC Pavilion on Nov. 4, 2018. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
President Joe Biden, right, greets Gov. JB Pritzker, left, and Rep. Mike Quigley at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Oct. 7, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)
Kelsey Marx, left, and members of the Lake County Democrats listen as Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 18, 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans / baiduhai)
Democratic gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker and running mate Juliana Stratton celebrate at their election night party on Nov. 6, 2018, at the Marriott Marquis in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 18, 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans / baiduhai)
Then-candidate for governor JB Pritzker steps off his tour bus while making a campaign stop at the Filling Station in St. Charles on Feb. 5, 2018. (Stacey Wescott / baiduhai)
Then-gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker has a wristband placed on his wrist by wife, MK, after they voted early in Chicago on Sept. 27, 2018. (José M. Osorio / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets legislators as he arrives with his wife, MK Pritzker, to deliver his State of the State address on Feb. 19, 2025, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker cheers with the crowd at his primary election night party on June 28, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis Grand Horizon Ballroom in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker is joined by lawmakers and community advocates including state Rep. Justin Slaughter, left, and state Sen. Elgie Sims Jr., right, as he signs HB 3653, a sweeping criminal justice and police reform bill, on Feb. 22, 2021. (Brian Cassella / baiduhai)
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Gov. JB Pritzker meet with members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts Local 476 during a campaign stop on Sept. 21, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker, right at rear, rides the Chicago Transit Authority Holiday Train on the Pink Line from 54th Avenue in Cicero to Clark and Lake streets in Chicago on Dec. 13, 2022. He greeted passengers and gave out candy canes along the route. (Terrence Antonio James / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and wife, MK, appear on stage at the primary election night party on June 28, 2022. (Erin Hooley / baiduhai)
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, from left, Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. JB Pritzker raise their hands in a show of unity after speaking to supporters at a rally at the University of Illinois Chicago on Sept. 16, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / baiduhai)
Supporters listen to Gov. JB Pritzker after he declared victory on election night at a rally at the Marriott Marquis Chicago hotel on Nov. 8, 2022. (Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker campaigns on Nov. 1, 2022, in Bellwood. (Erin Hooley / baiduhai)
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, from left, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Rev. Jesse Jackson attend Harold Washington's centennial event in honor of the former mayor at the Harold Washington Library Center, April 12, 2022 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)
Then-gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker, enters as the Cook County Democratic Party hears speeches from candidates for state and local offices on June 22, 2017. (Nancy Stone / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker walks onstage after declaring victory on election night at a rally at the Marriott Marquis Chicago hotel on Nov. 8, 2022. He was challenged by Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey. (Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai)
Then-Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis, center, talks with then-President Donald Trump during a meeting with newly elected governors in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Dec. 13, 2018. At left is then-Gov.-elect JB Pritzker. (Evan Vucci / AP)
Gov. JB Pritzker arrives to speak on Aug. 24, 2022, at Schuler Farms in downstate Lexington. (Brian Cassella / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and wife, MK, wave to people at the Pride Parade on Chicago's North Side on June 26, 2022. (Chris Sweda / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker holds a primary election lunch event at Manny's deli in the South Loop, on June 28, 2022. (E. Jason Wambsgans / baiduhai)
Jefferey Bowen, center, cheers during the JB Pritzker election night party at the Marriott Marquis Chicago in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago on Nov. 6, 2018. (Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai)
Campaign volunteers head out with signs in Chicago on May 4, 2022. (Antonio Perez / baiduhai)
Operating Engineers Local 150 members listen to Gov. JB Pritzker speak during a campaign event in Wilmington on Sept. 7, 2022. (Brian Cassella / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker visits Jim Sweeney, left, president and business manager of Operating Engineers Local 150, and others, during a campaign event in Wilmington on Sept. 7, 2022. (Brian Cassella / baiduhai)
Then-Democratic gubernatorial candidates JB Pritzker, from left, Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss, clap before their candidate forum at WTTW's studio on March 14, 2018. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot march during the Puerto Rican People's Day Parade on West Division Street in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on June 15, 2019. (John J. Kim / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton visit with members of Operating Engineers Local 150 during a campaign event on Sept. 7, 2022, in Wilmington. (Brian Cassella / baiduhai)
JB Pritzker, then-candidate for the Democratic nominee for governor, talks with union members after a rally at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 in Chicago on May 3, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / baiduhai)
Then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, right, and then-Democratic challenger JB Pritzker address members of the audience during a televised debate in the NBC-Ch. 5 studio on Sept. 20, 2018. (Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / baiduhai)
Former President Barack Obama makes a campaign stop at Caffe Paradiso with then-gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker after speaking at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Sept. 7, 2018. (Zbigniew Bzdak / baiduhai)
Then-gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker walks with supporters as he makes his way to vote on the first day of early voting in Chicago on Sept. 27, 2018. (José M. Osorio / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker gives fist bumps to parade watchers while marching in the Bud Billiken Parade on South King Drive, Aug. 13, 2022. (John J. Kim / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker talks to Vice President Kamala Harris in Chicago on Nov. 6, 2022. (Michael Blackshire / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker shakes hands with Cole Caldwell, 13, of Peoria County, after his wife, MK Pritzker, outbid him paying $75,000 for Caldwell's champion steer during the Governor's Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 13, 2019. (Stacey Wescott / baiduhai)
JB Pritzker declares victory in the Democratic gubernatorial primary on March 20, 2018, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago. (Brian Cassella / baiduhai)
Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts Local 476 shield themselves from the sun while waiting for a Gov. JB Pritzker campaign stop on Sept. 21, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker and others attend a rally in Chicago's Federal Plaza on June 24, 2022, in reaction to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortions. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker declares victory on election night at a rally at the Marriott Marquis Chicago hotel on Nov. 8, 2022. (Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai)
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, left, and Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey prepare for their gubernatorial debate at WGN-TV Channel 9 in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2022. (Chris Sweda / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker announces on Feb. 9, 2022, that the state's indoor mask mandate will be lifted by the end of the month. (Terrence Antonio James / baiduhai)
Gov JB Pritzker, left, joins the Rev. Marshall Elijah Hatch during service on the final weekend before Election Day on Nov. 6, 2022, at New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in East Garfield Park in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / baiduhai)
Illinois first lady MK Pritzker, Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton march in the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood on Aug. 14, 2021. (Vashon Jordan Jr. / baiduhai)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to people gathered at a rally in Chicago's Federal Plaza on June 24, 2022, in reaction to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortions. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker talks with a Du Quoin resident during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Du Quoin State Fair on Aug. 26, 2022. (Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker greets supporters at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Governor's Day on Aug. 17, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / baiduhai)
Gov. JB Pritzker takes part in an interview with the Tribune in downtown Chicago on July 20, 2021. Earlier, the governor had announced his reelection plan. (Antonio Perez / baiduhai)
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Gov. JB Pritzker and state Senate candidate Karen Battaglia canvass a neighborhood Oct. 20, 2026, in Cary. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)
Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola denied that she knew anything about an effort to put another candidate on the Alaska ballot with the same name as the Republican incumbent as the Justice Department escalated a criminal investigation.
There are a lot of ghosts here, but they’re the kinds of hauntings that we live with, day by day. They’re the ghosts who remind us the past really is prologue. But the future is unwritten.
