SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker is running for re-election in 2026. The Democrat officially launched his campaign for a third term Thursday morning alongside his wife MK Pritzker and a large crowd of supporters.
Pritzker is the first Illinois governor to seek a third term since Gov. Jim Thompson, who served from 1977-1991. Although, Pritzker could become the first Democrat to win three consecutive races.
Pritzker's re-election campaign began at Grand Crossing Park in Chicago, the exact spot where he started his first gubernatorial campaign in 2017.
The billionaire came into office following two years of a budget impasse and a multi-billion dollar bill backlog. Pritzker said Illinois has now seen seven balanced budgets and paid off the state's debt.
He is also highlighting how the Rebuild Illinois program has improved roads, bridges, airports, and transit that were in terrible shape during the Rauner administration.
"I have never once, in the past seven years, wished that I was not fortunate enough to be your governor," Pritzker said. "When the burden of responsibility has felt heavy, well then I remind myself that tremendous pressure can shape beautiful things."
Yet, Pritzker knows there are still problems to address.
Healthcare access will continue to be a top priority for the governor, as Pritzker said doctors and patients should be able to make treatment decisions without interference by insurance companies.
He also hopes to expand mental healthcare and ensure every Illinoisan has access to new cures for cancer and diabetes.
"To the lobbyists for the insurance industry, and nursing homes, and pharma companies, money can't buy you love in my administration," Pritzker said. "Come to the table with ways to fairly and more affordably serve your customers' needs or be forced to do so."
The Illinois Republican Party said Pritzker's first two terms have been nothing short of a total failure. GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said the only way Illinois will have actual representation and relief is by voting Republican.
"I'd rather lose standing up for what I believe in than win by selling out those who believed in me," Pritzker said.
Of course, a big question is who Pritzker will choose to be his running mate as Juliana Stratton hopes to take over Sen. Dick Durbin's seat. Pritzker is expected to make that announcement in the coming weeks.
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