He Called Trump a Narcissist — Now He's Running to Replace Him
President Joe Biden talks with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz. Public domain.
He called Trump a narcissist, dumped millions into red-state abortion battles, and now he's popping up at primary dinners all across America. With $3.7 billion in the bank and a sharp tongue on the mic, JB Pritzker might just be the Democrats' secret weapon for 2028 — or their next big gamble.
The Illinois governor, heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune and the second-richest elected official in America, has gone from Midwest power player to national headline machine in a matter of months. His name is suddenly everywhere — on donor lists, gala programs, and whispered wish lists inside Democratic strategy circles. But is he gearing up to run? And more importantly — does he have a shot?
A Billionaire Governor With Something to Prove
JB Pritzker is no political novice. Since first taking office in 2019, the two-term Democratic governor has pushed through a progressive wish list in Illinois. That includes legalizing cannabis, raising the minimum wage, protecting abortion access, and digging the state out of a budget mess that nearly torpedoed its credit rating during the previous administration.
Now, his national profile is rising — and fast. Pritzker has become one of Donald Trump's loudest and most consistent critics, reportedly denouncing the president's policies on immigration, the economy, and LGBTQ+ rights. Since the Democrats' bruising 2024 loss, he's been traveling coast-to-coast with a message many in the party are hungry for: stop retreating and start fighting.
According to POLITICO, Illinois governor Pritzker has described President Trump as "a narcissist," "rich in stupidity" and someone who "behaves like a fifth-grader."
He hasn't declared a presidential run — not yet. But he's acting a lot like someone who's thinking about it.
What He's Saying — and Where
Since March, Pritzker has appeared at high-profile events in Los Angeles, New York, Florida, Texas, and Michigan, with a keynote scheduled in New Hampshire — home to the country's first primary contest — on April 27.
He also launched Think Big America, a national nonprofit that has quietly become a powerhouse in abortion-rights advocacy. The group has bankrolled ballot initiatives in states like Ohio, Montana, and Arizona — spending big to flip conservative areas in support of reproductive freedom.
Political insiders, including former Obama chief of staff Bill Daley, say there's little doubt Pritzker is preparing to make a run. According to The Wall Street Journal, Daley said, "The real question is whether he runs for re-election first or just runs for president," as reported by MSN.
What He's Done in Illinois
Pritzker took over a state in fiscal chaos. A two-year budget standoff had sent Illinois' credit rating to the brink of junk status. In response, Pritzker pushed through budgets that helped the state earn three consecutive credit upgrades from global finance company Moody's — the first such streak in decades.
He signed legislation raising the minimum wage to $15, expanded paid leave, tightened gun regulations, and poured money into infrastructure and green energy. His allies point to billions in new investments and major gains in clean tech. His critics, however, see something very different.
The GOP's Favorite Target
Republicans slam Pritzker as an elite liberal presiding over a state with high taxes, population decline, and ongoing issues in Chicago's crime and education systems. Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi accused Pritzker of turning the state into a platform for national grandstanding while ignoring local problems, arguing he has driven "the good people, families, and business out of our beloved Illinois," as reported by POLITICO.
National Republicans are likely to hammer him over Illinois' unfunded pension liabilities, slow private-sector job growth, and a rising cost of living. Trump and Elon Musk have both mocked Pritzker personally — including comments about his weight and wealth — and more jabs are expected if Pritzker gets serious about 2028. In a wildly viewed 2024 X Spaces interview with Musk, Trump said, "Illinois is badly run by Pritzker. He's a real loser. So many people are leaving Illinois," as reported by the Illinois Review.
The Issues: Where He Stands
Immigration: Pritzker has clashed with federal Republicans over Illinois' sanctuary status laws, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He's defended immigrants who have lived in the US for years, while saying he supports deportation of those with criminal convictions.
Abortion: One of his signature issues. Pritzker has reportedly pumped millions into state-level ballot measures defending abortion rights, particularly in red states where access is under threat.
Tariffs and the Economy: He has blamed Trump's tariffs for hurting farmers and manufacturers, especially in rural parts of Illinois. He argues the federal government's cuts to USDA programs have worsened the problem.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Pritzker has been outspoken in support of trans youth and gender-affirming care, even as some Democrats worry it's a tough sell in battleground states. He's called out Republican attacks on trans rights as morally wrong and politically toxic.
Does He Actually Have a Shot?
Pritzker isn't just the Democrats' wealthiest officeholder — he's also one of their most well-connected. He was vetted as a potential VP pick in 2024, and has already built a network of allies through generous campaign donations across the country.
His vast personal wealth would allow him to self-fund a campaign, hire top talent early, and dominate the media in key states. But he would still face stiff competition. Other governors — including Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, and Andy Beshear — are also quietly testing the waters.
Whether Pritzker can bridge the divide between the party's progressive base and its more moderate wing remains to be seen. But with Trump already on the offensive and Democratic donors looking for someone — anyone — to rally behind, the door is wide open.
And JB Pritzker seems ready to walk through it.
References: JB Pritzker burnishes his national brand as one of Trump's fiercest critics | Could Illinois Gov. Pritzker be considering a run for president? Reading the signs | America's Second-Richest Elected Official Is Acting Like He Wants to Be President | Trump Calls IL Gov. JB Pritzker "Incompetent, Loser" During Historic X Spaces Interview with Elon Musk as Discussion Reaches 1 Billion Views, Harris Campaign Panics
