Gov. JB Pritzker’s growing national profile is doing little to quell speculation he has his eye on the White House in 2028.
He has been on many national television programs and recently gave a lengthy interview to New York magazine.
“He’s not after the 2024 nomination,” says Brian Gaines, the W. Russell Arrington professor in state politics at the University of Illinois, as Pritzker has pledged to help re-elect President Biden, “but, given biden’s advanced age and, I think, given a fairly widespread feeling that (Vice President) Kamala Harris does not inspire a great deal of confidence, I think that (Gov.) Gavin Newsom of California and JB Pritzker of Illinois are kind of hanging around, just in case there is an emergency replacement needed.”
The Pritzker campaign has confirmed that, unlike in past years, the governor will attend the Governor’s Day brunch during the Illinois State Fair. Gaines says this could be a move to demonstrate Pritzker is still in charge of Illinois Democrats.