Pritzker, Stratton prepare to defend vulnerable Illinoisans during second Trump presidency

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton were campaign surrogates for Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, the state's top leaders say they accept Donald Trump as president elect and are prepared to defend Illinoisans at all costs.

"I know that there are a lot of women out there this week, especially young women, asking themselves if they will ever get to see a female president," Pritzker said Thursday. "To them, I want to say I too am tired of having to explain to my daughter, and to my son too, that eventually the time will come, but not now."

The governor said Illinois will always strive make people welcome, safe and protected.

Pritzker said the Biden-Harris administration must focus on a peaceful transfer of power, even though the former president didn't provide the same to President Biden. Still, the Democrat said he will not give up the fight of protecting the most vulnerable people in Illinois.

"Illinois will continue to be a refuge for those whose rights are being denied elsewhere - women seeking reproductive healthcare, immigrants searching to work hard for a better life, LGBTQ Americans looking for welcome and protection, and people with disabilities whose civil and human rights are under attack," Pritzker said.

Pritzker told reporters in Chicago that he met with his senior staff Wednesday to discuss action lawmakers could take in response to Trump's win. While some may hope to see quick action during veto session next week, Pritzker said his administration is gathering a list of things they see as priorities for the new year.

"The work doesn't stop, even if it feels like the Earth just did," Stratton said. "Nothing can contain the wild hearts of Americans seeking peace and justice. No constraints have been able to keep us from pursuing something more, something better, something beautiful for all.

Pritzker stressed that Illinois remains a place of stability and competent governance.

"To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior," Pritzker said directly to Trump. "You come for my people, you come through me."

The Illinois Republican Party said Pritzker might as well have announced his 2028 campaign for the presidency during Thursday's press conference. GOP leaders noted that Kamala Harris had the worst showing of a Democratic candidate in Illinois in more than 30 years and Democrats failed to grow their majorities in the General Assembly despite outspending Republicans by millions.

"Earlier this week, Pritzker touted sending hundreds of volunteers to swing states - states that subsequently rejected Pritzker-style government that has made Illinois one of the most fled states in the nation," said IL GOP Chair Kathy Salvi. "Republicans have established the party of hard working Americans, while Democrats have become the party of wealthy elites. It's only fitting that they turn to another wealthy elite in 2028."