As Democrats prepare for an uncertain political future, a new figure is stepping into the national spotlight with bold ideas, billions in the bank, and a growing reputation as one of Donald Trump’s fiercest critics. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune and America’s second-richest elected official, is giving every indication that he’s gearing up for a presidential run—and not just in 2028.
The 60-year-old Democrat has been making moves far beyond Springfield, Illinois. Later this month, he’s scheduled to speak in New Hampshire—home of the country’s first presidential primary—at a Democratic fundraiser where he’ll address Trump’s growing influence and the threat he believes the former president poses to democracy.
While Pritzker has not officially declared a run for the White House, longtime political insiders say it’s only a matter of time.
“There is no doubt that he is going to run,” said Bill Daley, former White House chief of staff and Commerce Secretary. “The real question is whether he runs for re-election first or just runs for president.”
Billionaire vs. Billionaire?
A Pritzker candidacy would pit one billionaire against another—drawing immediate comparisons to Trump. But while both inherited immense wealth and leveraged it into political power, Pritzker has built his brand around progressive values, technocratic governance, and strategic philanthropy.
He’s unapologetically brash when it comes to criticizing Trump. At the 2020 Democratic National Convention, he famously quipped, “Take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing: stupidity.” The comment was a viral moment—and it showcased the kind of punchy, no-nonsense tone that appeals to a Democratic base hungry for leadership.
His critics, however, are ready. Republicans will almost certainly point to Illinois’s stagnant job growth, population decline, high taxes, and persistent crime rates in Chicago as evidence that Pritzker’s leadership doesn’t scale.
A Powerful Political Machine—And the Money to Run It
Pritzker has one major advantage over many contenders: he doesn’t need donors to run a national campaign. With a personal fortune estimated at $3.7 billion, he spent over $300 million of his own money to win two gubernatorial elections. He’s also a powerhouse donor to Democratic causes, second only to George Soros in recent high-stakes races.
His political infrastructure is already national in scope. He founded Think Big America, a nonprofit that’s quietly bankrolling abortion-rights initiatives in key states. The group has spent six- and seven-figure sums in states like Ohio and Arizona—testing the waters and building networks in battlegrounds long before any official announcement.
A Record to Run On
Pritzker became governor in 2019 and inherited a state in fiscal chaos. Since then, he’s overseen three credit rating upgrades, championed infrastructure investments, legalized marijuana, protected abortion rights, and raised the minimum wage to $15. He also signed legislation supporting transgender rights and worker protections.
His administration touts major wins in technology and innovation—especially his efforts to position Illinois as a hub for quantum computing.
However, his home state remains plagued by challenges: underfunded pensions, high crime rates in Chicago, and outmigration that Republicans attribute to his tax policies.
Still, Pritzker’s supporters say his pragmatic yet progressive leadership is exactly what Democrats need in a post-Biden era.
The 2028 Race—or Sooner?
While many speculate that Pritzker is aiming for 2028, insiders say he may move sooner—especially if President Biden doesn’t run for re-election. Daley believes Pritzker should skip a third gubernatorial bid altogether, avoiding the risk of scandal or crisis that could derail a national campaign.
His path may resemble that of other emerging Democratic stars—California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg—all of whom are reportedly mulling presidential runs.
But Pritzker’s financial independence, policy record, and national organizing give him a unique edge.
“You can do both,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, referring to Pritzker potentially running for re-election and then for president. “It’s about building the right message and having the right resources. He has both.”
A Personal Story with Political Weight
Though born into luxury, Pritzker’s life has not been without hardship. His father died when he was seven, and his mother, a political activist and alcoholic, passed away tragically when he was 17. These early experiences shaped his approach to politics and philanthropy, especially his focus on early childhood development and mental health.
His wealth allows him to fund state salaries for top talent, fly privately with carbon offsets, and donate generously to social causes. But he’s also keenly aware of the optics—his “Think Big” campaign slogan was a nod to both his size and his ambition.
What Comes Next?
Whether Pritzker announces in 2026 or 2028, his name is already in the mix—and drawing attention from allies and critics alike. With a sharp tongue, deep pockets, and a clear progressive agenda, he’s poised to play a pivotal role in the Democratic Party’s next chapter.
And as Trump and Musk throw jabs at his appearance, Pritzker is focusing on something else: what he sees as the soul of American democracy—and his place in defending it.
“There are transgender children right now looking out at this world and wondering if anyone is going to stand up for them,” he told a cheering crowd at a recent event. “Well, I am. We are. We will.”
That might be the clearest sign yet—J.B. Pritzker isn’t just thinking big. He’s thinking presidential.
