Democrat · Incumbent Governor of Illinois · Running for a third term in 2026
Biography
Jay Robert Pritzker was born on January 19, 1965, in San Diego, California. He is a member of the Pritzker family, heirs to the Hyatt Hotels fortune. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his law degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Before entering politics, Pritzker was a prominent businessman and venture capitalist, co-founding the Chicago-based investment firm Pritzker Group. He was elected Governor of Illinois in 2018, defeating incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner by 15.6 points, and was re-elected in 2022, defeating Republican Darren Bailey by 12.5 points.
Quick Facts
| Party | Democratic |
| Office sought | Governor of Illinois |
| Running mate | Christian Mitchell (Lt. Governor) |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois |
| Education | Duke University (BA), Northwestern University (JD) |
| Occupation | Businessman, Venture Capitalist, incumbent Governor |
| Prior offices | Governor of Illinois (2019–present) |
| 2022 election result | Won 54.5% to 40.9% over Darren Bailey |
Policy Positions
Economy & Taxes
Pritzker eliminated the state sales tax on groceries, doubled the child tax credit, and lowered prescription drug prices during his tenure. He supports increasing state education funding as a mechanism to reduce local property tax burdens. He has framed affordability as a central issue of his 2026 campaign.
Public Safety
Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law, which eliminated cash bail in Illinois, making it the first state in the nation to do so. He supports the law and has defended it against Republican efforts to repeal it, arguing it creates a fairer justice system while maintaining public safety.
Immigration
Pritzker has actively resisted federal ICE operations in Illinois. He established the Illinois Accountability Commission to document potential federal overreach. He supports Chicago’s sanctuary city policies and has positioned Illinois as a state that will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Energy & Environment
Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021, which phases out carbon-emitting power sources in Illinois by 2045. He has made clean energy a signature issue of his governorship and supports continued investment in renewable energy and green jobs.
Reproductive Rights
Pritzker has pledged to protect access to reproductive health care in Illinois, including abortion rights. He has signed legislation codifying abortion protections into Illinois law and has positioned Illinois as a destination state for those seeking reproductive care from states with stricter laws.
Minimum Wage
Pritzker signed legislation raising Illinois’ minimum wage from $8.25 per hour in 2019 to $15 per hour, phased in through 2025. He supports maintaining or building on this increase.
Key Quotes
“We will not allow the federal government to use Illinois as a testing ground for unconstitutional overreach.” — JB Pritzker, 2025
Endorsements
- Illinois AFL-CIO
- Illinois Education Association
- Planned Parenthood Illinois Action
- Illinois Environmental Council
- Chicago Federation of Labor
Compare Candidates
See how JB Pritzker compares to Darren Bailey on the issues: Illinois Governor 2026: Full Comparison
Candidate information is sourced from official campaign materials, public statements, and verified news reporting. WhereTheyStandUSA.org is a nonpartisan voter information resource and does not endorse any candidate. Last updated: April 2026.