JB Pritzker

JB Pritzker
Born	Jay Robert Pritzker (1965-01-19) January 19, 1965 Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Years active	1980s–present
Known for	43rd governor of Illinois; co-founder of Pritzker Group; member of Pritzker family (Hyatt Hotels)

Jay Robert "JB" Pritzker (born January 19, 1965) is an American entrepreneur and politician who has been serving as the 43rd governor of Illinois since 2019. He belongs to the affluent Pritzker family, known for owning the Hyatt hotel empire. Pritzker is a co-founder and managing partner of multiple investment and venture capital firms, including the Pritzker Group.

Originally from Palo Alto, California, Pritzker completed his education at Milton Academy, followed by degrees from Duke University and Northwestern University School of Law. He helped establish Pritzker Group Private Capital and played a role in other initiatives like 1871, a digital startup incubator. In 1998, he sought the Democratic nomination for Illinois's 9th congressional district but was unsuccessful. Between 2003 and 2006, he served as chairman of the Illinois Human Rights Commission during Governor Rod Blagojevich’s administration.

Prior to holding office, Pritzker was a dedicated financial backer and active participant within the Democratic Party. He emerged victorious in a competitive Democratic primary for governor in the 2018 race, subsequently defeating incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner in November and assuming office in January 2019. His tenure as governor has emphasized areas such as fiscal policy, education reform, healthcare improvements, and criminal justice changes. Notable accomplishments include the legalization of recreational cannabis, expanded abortion rights, and overseeing Illinois’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois. He secured reelection in the 2022 contest, defeating challenger Darren Bailey. As reported by Forbes in May 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3.7 billion.

Early life, family, and education

Born on January 19, 1965, in Palo Alto, California, Pritzker is the son of Donald Pritzker and Sue Pritzker (née Sandel). He hails from the notable Pritzker family, with Ukrainian Jewish roots. His name honors his paternal uncles, Jay Pritzker and Robert Pritzker, and he is commonly referred to as "JB," short for "Jay Bob." His grandfather, Abe Pritzker, practiced business law. The Pritzkers have consistently ranked among Forbes "America's Richest Families" since 1982. Donald Pritzker served as president of Hyatt Hotels until his untimely death at age 39 in 1972. Following his father’s passing and his mother’s illness, JB was raised by his aunt and uncle, Cindy Pritzker and Jay Pritzker. Sue Pritzker died in an accident in 1982. Among his older siblings are businessman Anthony Pritzker and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.

Pritzker has clarified that certain international trusts established by his grandfather exist exclusively for philanthropic purposes and do not provide him with personal financial gain.

Growing up in Atherton, California, he attended Milton Academy in Massachusetts before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Duke University. He later obtained a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1993. He is licensed to practice law and holds membership in both the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.

Business career

Together with his brother Tony, Pritzker established Pritzker Group Private Capital, a firm that owns and manages middle-market businesses. This portfolio features industry leaders such as PECO Pallet, a prominent pallet rental company, and Clinical Innovations, a manufacturer of medical devices. In 2008, Pritzker was honored with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneurial Champion Award in recognition of his efforts to foster economic growth and generate employment opportunities.

Pritzker held the position of chairman for ChicagoNEXT, an innovation and technology advisory council initiated by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He is also the founder of 1871, a nonprofit digital startup incubator named after the year of the Great Chicago Fire. His contributions extend to co-founding the Illinois Venture Capital Association and the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. Additionally, he helped launch Chicago Ventures and provided financial support to startups such as Techstars Chicago and Built in Chicago.

Work as D.C. staffer

During the 1980s, Pritzker was part of the legislative teams for U.S. Representative Tom Lantos, U.S. Senator Terry Sanford, and U.S. Senator Alan J. Dixon, concentrating on trade and transportation policies. Subsequently, he founded Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century, a national initiative aimed at engaging voters under 40 within the Democratic Party.

1998 congressional campaign

Anticipating that Sidney R. Yates, the long-serving Democratic representative of Illinois's 9th congressional district, might retire, Pritzker prepared for potential runs in both 1994 and 1996. Each time, after Yates opted to seek reelection, Pritzker withdrew his candidacy. Similar to State Representative Jan Schakowsky—who also considered entering the race if Yates stepped down—Pritzker maintained an active campaign committee from 1993 onward, raising over $120,000 by 1996 primarily to cover operational costs.

When Yates announced his retirement in 1998, Pritzker reactivated his campaign efforts to compete in the Democratic primary against Schakowsky and State Senator Howard W. Carroll. The district encompassed Chicago’s northern lakefront areas along with suburbs such as Evanston and Skokie, noted for a significant Jewish population and a traditionally liberal electorate. All three main candidates were Jewish, reflecting the demographic makeup; a fourth contender, Charles A. "Pat" Boyle, attracted minimal support.

While all candidates broadly endorsed Yates’s liberal Democratic values, Pritzker and Carroll positioned themselves with somewhat more moderate platforms than Schakowsky, which risked dividing similar voter segments. This primary became one of the costliest in U.S. history at that time, with Pritzker personally investing close to $1 million—including $500,000 dedicated to television advertisements in Chicago. He ultimately placed third, securing 20.5% of votes behind Schakowsky’s 45.1% and Carroll’s 34.4%.

State and national politics

Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Pritzker as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission from 2003 through 2006. Following his tenure, Blagojevich selected former White House counsel and federal judge Abner J. Mikva as his successor.

During the 2008 presidential election, Pritzker acted as national co-chair for Hillary Clinton’s campaign and served as a delegate at both the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Conventions. He later supported Barack Obama in the general election that year, playing a role in uniting Clinton’s and Obama’s campaigns within Illinois.

In May 2017, an 11-minute FBI wiretap recorded in 2008 was released by the Chicago Tribune, capturing conversations between Pritzker and Blagojevich regarding campaign donations and prospective statewide appointments. On these recordings, Pritzker expressed interest in pursuing the state treasurer position, citing his financial expertise. His opponents—Governor Bruce Rauner during the general election and Democratic primary competitors—criticized his statements. Pritzker denied any misconduct, asserting that discussions pertained solely to opportunities for public service. No formal accusations were made by law enforcement.

Following public backlash over remarks made during this dialogue—including comments about filling Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat—Pritzker issued an apology. He had proposed appointing then-Secretary of State Jesse White as a strategic choice, describing him as the "least offensive" option. Despite these comments, White continued to endorse Pritzker's 2018 gubernatorial bid and accepted his apology, reaffirming their friendship and confidence in Pritzker’s motives.

2018

On April 6, 2017, Pritzker declared his intention to run for the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor. His campaign gained support from notable figures such as Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, former Congressman Glenn Poshard, more than a dozen state legislators, 21 local labor unions, and the Illinois AFL–CIO.

On August 10, 2017, he chose freshman State Representative Juliana Stratton as his lieutenant governor candidate. By December of that year, Pritzker had personally contributed $42 million to his campaign, without relying on outside donations. He secured the Democratic nomination on March 20, 2018, capturing 45.13% of the votes and surpassing five other contenders. In the November general election, Pritzker defeated the sitting Republican governor Bruce Rauner, achieving 54.53% of the vote compared to Rauner's 38.83%, marking the largest victory margin since 1994.

Throughout his campaign, Pritzker invested $171.5 million of his own capital, concentrating on digital marketing, television commercials, and campaign personnel.

He officially took office as Illinois's 43rd governor on January 14, 2019. At that time, with an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion, he was recognized as the wealthiest elected official in the United States. His second term commenced on January 9, 2023.

2022

In June 2021, Pritzker contemplated stepping down after a single term but confirmed on July 19 that he would pursue reelection alongside Stratton once again. He won the Democratic primary held on June 28 and went on to defeat Republican Darren Bailey in the general election on November 8 by a margin of 54.91% to 42.37%. This victory made Pritzker the first Illinois governor to be reelected since 2006 and positioned him to be the first Democratic governor in state history to complete two full terms, as previous Democratic officeholders had not finished a second term.

In early 2024, Pritzker was considered a potential vice presidential pick for Kamala Harris’s presidential bid but was ultimately not selected in favor of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

2019–20 fiscal year

On June 5, 2019, Pritzker enacted a bipartisan balanced budget totaling $40 billion for the fiscal year 2019–20. This budget allocated $29 million toward increasing participation in the U.S. Census. The rise in public expenditures was financed through tax increases including sales taxes applied to online retailers, a new tax on insurance companies, and decoupling Illinois’s state income tax from a federal tax reduction related to repatriated foreign earnings. The revenue projections did not account for possible income from legalized recreational marijuana. Additionally, a "tax amnesty" initiative permitted taxpayers with outstanding liabilities from June 30, 2011, through July 1, 2018, to settle their debts without penalties. The governor projected a $150 million surplus aimed at reducing the state's backlog of unpaid bills estimated at $6 billion.

Abortion legislation

In June 2019, Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 25—the Reproductive Health Act—which repealed both the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 and the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. This legislation affirmed individuals’ rights to make autonomous reproductive choices and explicitly denied legal personhood status to zygotes, embryos, or fetuses under Illinois statutes. Pritzker urged other states with restrictive abortion laws to reconsider their policies and positioned Illinois as a welcoming destination for women seeking abortion services from out-of-state.

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Illinois became an essential provider of abortion access for women from Southern and Midwestern states with bans in place; out-of-state patients accounted for approximately 30% of abortions performed in Illinois. In the year following Roe's reversal, abortions in Illinois increased by more than 45%, largely driven by individuals traveling from states where abortion is prohibited.

Cannabis

On May 31, 2019, the Illinois General Assembly enacted the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which legalized and established regulations for adult-use cannabis cultivation, consumption, and retail. Governor Pritzker approved the legislation on June 25, 2019, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2020. This made Illinois the 11th state in the U.S. to authorize recreational cannabis use. Additionally, the legislation mandated the expungement of criminal records for possession of less than 30 grams. Revenue generated from cannabis taxes is directed toward aiding economically disadvantaged communities impacted by the War on Drugs and supporting substance abuse treatment programs.

During its inaugural month, cannabis sales produced roughly $10.4 million in tax income, which expanded to over $52 million by July 2020 and ultimately reached $445.3 million by the conclusion of 2022.

On December 31, 2019, Governor Pritzker granted pardons to approximately 11,000 individuals convicted of minor cannabis offenses.

Child welfare and education

The Illinois budget for fiscal year 2019–20, totaling $40 billion, increased funding for education at all levels including elementary schools, community colleges, and state universities. Funding for elementary education was boosted by nearly $379 million—surpassing the $29 million required by the new funding formula. Community colleges received an additional $14 million, public universities saw a $53 million increase, and grants targeting low-income students were raised by $50 million. The Department of Children and Family Services was allocated $80 million to expand staffing and enhance service quality.

Under the Rebuild Illinois capital initiative, $3.2 billion was allocated over six years to support public colleges and universities, which included $78 million designated for urgent repairs and maintenance projects. Illinois public higher education institutions had long struggled financially, with escalating tuition and related expenses prompting many students to pursue education outside the state. Between 2002 and 2017, the proportion of Illinois public high school graduates enrolling in out-of-state colleges rose from 29.3% to 48.4%, largely due to more competitive financial aid packages offered elsewhere.

Significant additional funding was distributed to these key state institutions:

Institution	Amount of Additional Funding
University of Illinois system (Chicago, Urbana-Champaign, Springfield)	$1,314,900,000
Illinois State University	$199,300,000
Northern Illinois University	$217,600,000
Southern Illinois University system (Carbondale, Edwardsville, Springfield medical school)	$475,600,000
Western Illinois University	$173,000,000
Northeastern Illinois University	$78,200,000
Eastern Illinois University	$72,700,000
Governors State University	$55,900,000
Chicago State University	$86,400,000

Statewide community colleges were awarded $1.03 billion in funds while private colleges received $400 million for capital improvements. The AIM High merit scholarship program's budget was increased by $10 million to a total of $35 million.

Governor Pritzker created the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force through House Bill 1581 to investigate approaches for reducing credit card debt among graduates; the task force was scheduled to submit its report to the General Assembly by December 2019.

In 2020, a workforce training initiative for community colleges was launched with funding allocated based on enrollment numbers of low-income students.

In July 2019, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 2512 mandating that state universities submit tuition cost reports to the Illinois Board of Higher Education to improve transparency regarding fees.

Climate change

Following President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, Pritzker became a member of the United States Climate Alliance.

COVID-19 pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Pritzker enacted various policies aimed at reducing the virus's impact in Illinois. On March 13, 2020, he directed the closure of all public and private schools from March 17 until March 31. Two days later, dine-in services at bars and restaurants were suspended through March 30, permitting only delivery and takeout operations.

On March 16, he restricted public gatherings to no more than 50 individuals. Despite calls for postponement, he did not delay the March 17 primary elections, as he lacked the legal authority to do so. Beginning March 21, a stay-at-home order took effect, shutting down non-essential businesses while maintaining essential operations. The state collaborated with federal agencies and retailers such as Wal-Mart and Walgreens to set up testing centers in communities severely affected by the virus.

By June, several local governments contested the lockdown orders in court; however, a federal judge upheld Pritzker’s authority, citing established legal precedent supporting state-level public health measures.

On March 25, Illinois’s tax filing deadline was extended to July 15, accompanied by emergency relief programs that allocated over $90 million to assist small businesses.

The stay-at-home directive was prolonged through May 29 with adjustments announced on April 23. Restrictions included limitations on church services, which prompted some religious groups to defy the orders and pursue legal action.

A statewide mask mandate was implemented on May 1. Subsequently, on May 5, Pritzker introduced "Restore Illinois," a phased reopening strategy dividing the state into four regions. These regions could independently advance from Phase Two—allowing limited retail and outdoor activities—to Phase Five, which permitted full reopening including large-scale events.

On July 15, a new mitigation framework was revealed to address potential COVID-19 surges, utilizing indicators such as positivity rates and hospital capacity to determine necessary restrictions.

In December 2020, Illinois secured initial allocations of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine pending FDA authorization. By February 26, 2021, mass vaccination sites were operational, including one located at Chicago’s United Center.

During mid-2021, mask mandates were reinstated for all state buildings and schools regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, vaccination became compulsory for state employees working in congregate settings by October. Amid the Delta variant surge in August, an indoor mask mandate was reintroduced statewide; vaccine requirements were also enforced for education personnel and healthcare workers, with weekly testing mandated for those unvaccinated.

By September 2021, vaccine mandates expanded further to encompass college students and educators. Most COVID-19 restrictions—including the statewide mask requirement—were lifted on February 28, 2022 following updated guidance from the CDC. On July 14, 2022, Pritzker terminated vaccine mandates for college students while modifying other statewide pandemic policies.

Criminal justice and law enforcement

On April 1, 2019, Pritzker launched Illinois’s Youth Parole system.

He enacted Senate Bill 1890 targeting human trafficking, requiring hospitality industry employees to undergo training for identifying trafficking victims and understanding reporting procedures. Violations carry penalties including fines up to $100,000 and Class 1 Felony charges.

Building upon an initiative originally sponsored by Barack Obama, Pritzker passed House Bill 1613 establishing a task force responsible for gathering and analyzing traffic stop data to address racial disparities; findings are to be reported every three years.

The fiscal budget for 2019–20 allocated funding for two cohorts of Illinois State Police cadets.

In July 2019, penalties were increased for drivers causing injury while texting; fines start at $1,000 alongside a one-year license suspension. He also approved House Bill 2045 which removed the $5 copay fee for offsite medical and dental care provided to juveniles in correctional facilities effective January 2020.

On December 31, 2020, Pritzker announced plans to expunge approximately 500,000 non-felony cannabis-related arrest records.

In February 2021, he signed legislation reforming criminal justice by abolishing cash bail in Illinois—the first state to do so—with an initial implementation date set for January 2023 but delayed pending review by the Illinois Supreme Court. In July 2023, the court upheld the constitutionality of this reform with enforcement scheduled to begin in September 2023.

Gambling

To finance his 2019 capital expenditure legislation, Pritzker broadened gambling opportunities by permitting additional casinos and legalizing sports wagering. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees the licensing process, which entails a rigorous procedure with thorough background investigations. The governor’s office forecasts that this expansion will yield an extra $350 million annually. This initiative encompasses Chicago, aligning with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s emphasis on economic growth in the South and West sides. She endorses the development of a new privately operated casino along with related hospitality establishments to enhance local economic revenue.

On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot chose Bally's Corporation to construct a casino resort near the Chicago River.

Gun control

On January 17, 2019, Pritzker enacted legislation mandating state certification for firearm dealers. The law strengthens security protocols, requires detailed inventory documentation, and enforces annual staff training—complementing existing federal licensing requirements. Advocates contend this reduces gun access by unauthorized individuals, while critics argue it adds bureaucratic burdens and expenses without increasing public safety. The Illinois State Rifle Association challenged the law through a lawsuit alleging constitutional infringements.

After the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, Pritzker condemned Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s comments attributing Chicago’s violence to its gun laws, emphasizing that most firearms used in Chicago crimes come from states with weaker regulations. This viewpoint was supported by other officials including Mayor Lightfoot and Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

On January 11, 2023, Pritzker signed a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines impacting roughly 2.5 million gun owners statewide. He declared the statute fulfills Democratic commitments and establishes Illinois as a leader in firearm regulation nationally. Gun rights organizations vowed legal opposition, resulting in a temporary injunction issued by an Effingham County judge on January 20. Eventually, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law’s constitutionality, enabling its enforcement. Additional federal and Crawford County lawsuits remain active.

Health care

In 2019, Pritzker implemented a tax on private insurance providers to support Illinois’ Medicaid program financially.

Immigration

On January 24, 2019, Pritzker issued an executive order broadening immigrant and refugee access to Illinois welcome centers, offering assistance related to citizenship processes, healthcare services, education opportunities, employment resources, and legal aid.

On June 21, 2019, he signed legislation prohibiting private immigration detention facilities within Illinois. Another statute bars state and local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE on deportation efforts. Furthermore, undocumented and transgender college students gained eligibility for state financial aid programs regardless of federal citizenship criteria.

In August 2019, Pritzker granted a pardon to Army veteran Miguel Perez Jr., who had been deported following a drug conviction despite suffering from service-related brain injury and PTSD. This pardon is intended to facilitate his return to the United States.

Infrastructure

In June 2019, Pritzker enacted the bipartisan $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan—the first comprehensive infrastructure investment bill in ten years—expected to create approximately 540,000 jobs over six years. The allocation dedicates $33.2 billion toward transportation improvements, including $25 billion for road repairs prioritized by local authorities; $3.5 billion for educational institutions; $1 billion for environmental initiatives; $420 million aimed at expanding broadband in rural areas; $465 million for healthcare facility upgrades; and $1.8 billion supporting libraries, museums, and minority-owned enterprises. Funding is sourced through inflation-adjusted increases in gasoline and special fuel taxes, a $50 hike in vehicle registration fees, and an expansion of the state’s bonding capacity from $22.6 billion to $60.8 billion. Revenue from new casinos is anticipated to contribute substantially through taxes and job creation. While Cook County municipalities have authority to levy additional gas taxes up to three cents per gallon, Chicago’s mayor opposed local fuel tax increases as well as transit fare hikes. The legislation also establishes a construction apprenticeship program to address workforce development needs.

Transportation investments encompass mass transit enhancements and pedestrian infrastructure projects such as the $561 million Kennedy Expressway overhaul; a $275 million expansion of Amtrak service connecting Chicago and Rockford; and $220 million allocated for improvements to Pace suburban bus operations. Additional funding supports upgrades to the Chicago–St. Louis higher-speed rail corridor and consolidates rail traffic management in Springfield to boost operational efficiency.

Pritzker defended these substantial expenditures and tax increases by citing two decades of infrastructure neglect in Illinois while underscoring the benefits that improved roads would provide to motorists.

Following flooding events in 2019, Pritzker deployed 200 members of the Illinois National Guard for emergency response efforts including sandbagging and levee reinforcement. Subsequently, he requested federal disaster declarations for 32 counties affected by flooding since February.

Labor

On February 19, 2019, Governor Pritzker enacted legislation to increase Illinois' minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025, positioning the state as the fifth nationwide and the first in the Midwest to adopt such a standard. The statute provides a tax credit aimed at assisting small businesses in managing elevated labor expenses and permits restaurant proprietors to include tips as part of employee compensation.

On April 12, 2019, Pritzker approved the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, which safeguards the rights of employers, employees, and labor unions to engage in collective bargaining, ensuring alignment with the National Labor Relations Act. Subsequently, on May 17, 2019, he signed a law supporting workers who have been exposed to hazardous substances.

Additionally, Pritzker endorsed House Bill 2028, which passed unanimously in both legislative chambers. This bill doubles the death benefit for families of police officers and firefighters who die while performing their duties, increasing compensation from $10,000 to $20,000.

LGBT rights

In June 2019, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order requiring Illinois schools to foster an environment that is affirming and inclusive toward transgender and non-binary students. He also directed the State Board of Education to spearhead initiatives promoting LGBT rights by ensuring that pertinent resources are readily accessible.

National politics

In 2023, Pritzker chose not to engage in direct dialogue with Representative Dean Phillips, who had attempted to convince him to enter the 2024 Democratic presidential primary against President Biden.

Taxation

Coinciding with the approval of the 2019–20 state budget, Pritzker signed into law the "Fair Tax" initiative. This measure proposed a constitutional amendment for the November 2020 ballot designed to replace Illinois’ flat income tax system with a graduated tax structure. Pritzker guaranteed that individuals earning $250,000 or less—which accounts for approximately 97% of taxpayers—would not face higher income taxes. The reform sought to implement broad changes to the state's tax framework.

Proposed changes to personal income tax rates under the Fair Tax

Taxable income (for single filers)	Marginal tax rate in 2019 (Current)	Proposed marginal tax rate (for single filers)	Proposed marginal tax rate (for joint filers)
$0 – $10,000	4.95%	4.75%	4.75%
$10,001 – $100,000		4.90%	4.90%
$100,001 – $250,000		4.95%	4.95%
$250,001 – $350,000		7.75%	7.75%
$350,001 – $500,000		7.85%
$500,001 – $750,000			7.85%
$750,001 – $1,000,000		7.99% on net income
$1,000,001 and above			7.99% on net income

Under this framework, families would experience tax reductions; for instance, a household of four with an annual income of $61,000 would save approximately $41 before applying other deductions. The proposal also included a child tax credit up to $100 for individuals earning under $80,000 and joint filers below $100,000. The corporate income tax was set to rise from 7% to 7.95%, aligning with the highest personal tax bracket. Furthermore, Pritzker aimed to enhance the property tax credit from 5% to 6%.

Governor Pritzker personally invested over $55 million into "Vote Yes for Fairness," a campaign advocating for the tax amendment. This effort triggered a prominent dispute with billionaire Ken Griffin, who contributed more than $50 million opposing the measure and criticized Pritzker’s support as hypocritical due to his use of offshore trusts.

Pritzker estimated that this income tax restructuring would generate approximately $3.4 billion in revenue amid Illinois’s financial difficulties—including outstanding bills totaling $8.5 billion and pension obligations amounting to $134 billion as of 2019.

The increased gas tax underpinning Pritzker’s infrastructure agenda—set at 38 cents per gallon and indexed to inflation—was implemented on July 1, 2019, placing Illinois among states with some of the highest fuel taxes nationwide.

Tobacco

On April 7, 2019, Pritzker positioned Illinois as the first state in the Midwest to implement Tobacco 21 laws. To support infrastructure funding, he increased the cigarette tax by one dollar.

Public employee pensions

Pritzker opted not to take on Chicago’s pension obligations, citing potential threats to Illinois’s credit rating. Following the balanced budget of 2019, Moody’s upgraded the state’s credit status above "junk." He did explore the possibility of allowing Chicago to merge its pension assets with statewide funds and formed a task force aimed at resolving municipal pension challenges.

Voting rights

In June 2020, Pritzker signed a bill that expanded voting accessibility by designating Election Day as an official state holiday.

Welfare

The 2019–20 fiscal plan dedicated $230 million toward constructing a new Veterans Home in Quincy and allocated $21 million for the Chicago Veterans Home. In July 2019, Pritzker enacted House Bill 3343, which established a food assistance program targeting seniors, disabled individuals, and the homeless. This initiative enables access to subsidized meals through private providers under the Illinois Department of Human Services, implementing the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by January 2020.

Approval rating

Segment polled	Polling group	Date	Approve	Disapprove	Sample size	Margin-of-error	Polling method
Adults	1892 Polling/American Council on Trustees and Alumni	Template:Date table sortingFebruary 17–21, 2021	40.6%	41.0%	800	± 3.5%	telephone
Adults	COVID-19 Consortium for Understanding the Public's Policy Preferences Across States	Template:Date table sortingOctober 2–25, 2020	49%	–	–	± 5%	online
		Template:Date table sortingSeptember 4–27, 2020	50%	–	–	± 5%
		Template:Date table sortingAugust 7–26, 2020	57%	–	–	± 5%
		Template:Date table sortingJuly 10–26, 2020	52%	–	–	± 6%
		Template:Date table sortingJune 12–28, 2020	58%	–	–	± 5%
		Template:Date table sortingMay 16–31, 2020	52%	–	–	± 6%
		Template:Date table sortingMay 2–15, 2020	54%	–	–	± 6%
		Template:Date table sortingApril 17–26, 2020

Registered voters	Polling group	Date	Approve	Disapprove	Sample size	Margin-of-error	Polling method

Registered voters	Morning Consult	Template:Date table sorting October1 – December31 ,2019	43%	41%	–	±1%	–
Registered voters	Morning Consult	Template:Date table sorting July1 – September30 ,2019	44%	43%	21,533	±1%	–	Political positions Environmental issues On January 23, 2019, Pritzker committed Illinois to join the United States Climate Alliance, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 26% before 2025. It was disclosed in 2017 that both Pritzker and his primary challenger in the 2018 race, Christopher G. Kennedy, owned shares in major oil corporations, prompting scrutiny regarding their environmental pledges. In 2023, Pritzker exercised his veto power against a bill that would have ended Illinois' ban on building new nuclear power plant facilities due to concerns about managing nuclear waste. Gun control Pritzker advocates for prohibitions on certain firearms and magazines, alongside enforcing comprehensive and stringent firearm registration requirements across the board. Abortion A strong pro-choice supporter, Pritzker received backing from Planned Parenthood during the 2018 Democratic primary contests, alongside candidates Kennedy and Biss. On January 22, 2019, he issued an executive order that broadened reproductive health coverage—including abortion services—for state employees and individuals insured through Illinois state health plans. This initiative was met with approval by Planned Parenthood representatives. In October 2023, Pritzker established and financially supported Think Big America, an abortion rights nonprofit organization aimed at influencing ballot initiatives in other states as part of a wider effort to combat far-right extremism. Immigration Pritzker has expressed support for Syrian refugees and criticized both the initial Trump administration and Governor Rauner for their inadequate attention to this group. He promotes increased funding for services catering to immigrants and refugees, advocates for expanded healthcare access for undocumented individuals, seeks improvements in the U-Visa process for victims of crime, and supports financial assistance programs for undocumented students, including those protected under DACA. He has committed to signing the pro-immigration Illinois Trust Act. In January 2025, while endorsing the deportation of convicted undocumented offenders, Pritzker opposed targeting law-abiding residents who have become integrated into their communities during mass deportation efforts under the second Trump administration. Israel and the Gaza war Pritzker has held a position on the national board of AIPAC, an influential pro-Israel advocacy organization. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, he condemned the violence and affirmed that Illinois stands firmly with the Israeli people, designating Hamas as a terrorist group while acknowledging the presence of many peace-oriented Palestinians in Gaza. In February 2024, he criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and opposed demands for a permanent cessation of hostilities. However, by October 2024, Pritzker expressed public support for a ceasefire, stressing the importance of respecting innocent lives on both sides by securing the release of hostages and implementing a ceasefire agreement. LGBTQ rights A long-standing advocate for LGBTQ rights, Pritzker frequently participates in Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade. During his 2018 campaign for governor, he committed to combating anti-LGBT hate crimes, expanding healthcare access for LGBTQ individuals, and opposing legislation discriminatory toward this community. Cannabis Pritzker supports broadening Illinois’ medical marijuana program as well as legalizing recreational cannabis use. In June 2019, he enacted the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act into law, legalizing possession and regulating recreational cannabis sales starting in 2020. Minimum wage During his tenure as governor, Pritzker advocated for increasing Illinois' minimum wage to $15 per hour. He enacted a gradual rise in wages: beginning at $9.25 on January 1, 2020, then $10 on July 1, 2020, followed by annual increments of $1 every January 1, ultimately reaching the $15 mark by January 1, 2025. Net neutrality Pritzker endorses net neutrality principles, pledging to maintain equal access to all internet data traffic. This commitment aims to support business expansion, enhance educational opportunities, and uphold freedom of expression. Alliance of governors In November 2024, Pritzker collaborated with fellow governors to establish a coalition focused on defending state priorities amid expected changes in federal policies. The alliance’s mission is to protect democratic values and resist federal measures perceived as detrimental to their states. Through the Pritzker Family Foundation, he has financed initiatives and research addressing childhood poverty. Under the guidance of economist James Heckman, he contributed to founding the Pritzker Consortium on Early Childhood Development at the University of Chicago. Working alongside organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Irving Harris Foundation, and George Kaiser Family Foundation, the foundation played a key role in launching the First Five Years Fund, which concentrates national resources on high-quality early care and education programs for children from birth through age five. In 2013, Pritzker partnered with Goldman Sachs to sponsor the inaugural social impact bond dedicated to early childhood education. As chairman of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, inaugurated in 2009, Pritzker spearheaded the fundraising campaign for this prominent Midwest institution focused on Holocaust and genocide education. He is also the main supporter of Cambodia Tribunal Monitor, an important online platform covering the international tribunal prosecuting genocide from the Pol Pot era. Prior to being succeeded by former White House counsel and federal judge Abner J. Mikva, Pritzker served as chairperson of the Illinois Human Rights Commission. His leadership in establishing the Illinois Holocaust Museum earned him the Survivors' Legacy Award in 2013. In 2007, Pritzker and his wife donated $5 million to the University of South Dakota for constructing the Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center. The Pritzker Science Center at Milton Academy was named in recognition of his lead contribution in 2011. He holds trustee and investment committee positions at Northwestern University and serves on the Board of Governors for Northwestern University School of Law. Additionally, he is affiliated with Chicago’s Economic Club and Commercial Club and joined Duke University's Board of Trustees in 2017. On October 22, 2015, Northwestern University School of Law announced a $100 million donation from Pritzker and his wife honoring his great-grandfather Nicholas J. Pritzker; subsequently, the institution was renamed Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Pritzker was honored with the Spirit of Erikson Institute Award for founding the Children's Initiative. The Illinois watchdog organization Better Government Association has criticized Pritzker’s philanthropic activities, alleging that some donations originated from offshore tax shelters. They contend that much of his charitable funding came from largely untaxed income generated with minimal effort, raising concerns about financial openness. Public image Supporters Pritzker has attracted backing from progressive and socialist groups due to his advocacy for healthcare reform, education improvements, increasing the minimum wage, legalizing recreational cannabis, and broadening healthcare accessibility. His administration is recognized as one of the most forward-thinking in the nation. Opposition The primary resistance to Pritzker comes from Republican and conservative circles, particularly opposing his policies on gun control measures and abortion rights. His electoral results in Southern Illinois were notably less robust compared to predecessors such as Rod Blagojevich and Glenn Poshard. Additionally, certain leftist activists have expressed dissatisfaction with his ambiguous stance on Medicare for All and what they perceive as inadequate efforts addressing minority concerns. Social media and memes On X (previously known as Twitter), various semi-satirical accounts endorse Pritzker, including "Socialists for Pritzker," which boasts over 13,000 followers, along with "Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker," "Frat Bros for Pritzker," and "Anarchists for Pritzker." Pritzker has described this attention as "amusing, if somewhat odd," and follows several of these profiles. The group "Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker" has nicknamed him the "Great Khan of the Midwest" and proposed a campaign strategy inspired by the Mongol Empire. This collective, dubbed the "Pritzker Pals," created a website aimed at encouraging Vice President Kamala Harris to select Pritzker as her vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 presidential race. A TikTok account named "Pritzker Memes" has garnered approximately 20,000 followers. Some of its content highlights his physical stature, with one observer commenting, "He is very large, doesn't seem especially intellectual, but possesses strong instincts." Prior to the 2024 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Pritzker introduced his own beer brand called "JBeers" and designated Malört as the convention’s "unofficial shot." On February 7, 2025, Pritzker shared a humorous video on Twitter declaring Illinois's annexation of Green Bay, Wisconsin, along with renaming Lake Michigan to "Lake Illinois." This parody followed President Donald Trump's earlier renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Personal life In 1993, Pritzker wed Mary Kathryn "M. K." Muenster, whom he met in Washington, D.C., where she was employed as an aide to U.S. Senator Tom Daschle. She is one of three children born to Theodore and Karen Muenster; her father ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1990, while her mother served as a state senator in South Dakota Senate. The couple resides in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood with their two children and also maintain a residence at the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Springfield. During the 2018 campaign, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Pritzker had rendered an adjacent mansion he had purchased unlivable by removing its toilets and subsequently contested its property tax valuation. The Cook County assessor lowered the property's assessed value from $6.25 million to roughly $1.1 million, resulting in an 83% reduction in property taxes amounting to about $230,000 annually. The Cook County inspector general accused him of orchestrating a scheme to defraud the county. Pritzker dismissed these allegations as politically motivated attacks, asserted adherence to county regulations, but voluntarily repaid $330,000 to the county treasurer. Federal authorities later initiated an investigation into this issue. According to Forbes, Pritzker's net worth was estimated at $3.7 billion in 2024. See also Infrastructure-based development Pritzker family External links Official site of Governor JB Pritzker JB for Governor campaign website