Dangerous
J.B. PritzkerSee the record

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's record

DangerousJ.B.

Too expensive for Illinois. Too focused on the next job. Too many contradictions.

J.B. Pritzker wearing a protective vest

Playing dress up for late night TV

Higher costs /// Broken promises /// Bigger ambitions /// Illinois pays

The bottom line / 01

His record tells a different story.

J.B. Pritzker talks a big game about helping working families. But from rising costs to blocked reforms and national ambitions, his contradictions add up.

Your wallet / 02

Illinois can't afford J.B.

While J.B. jets around and meets with national donors, Illinois families face some of the highest costs in America.

Property taxes, gas taxes, groceries: Illinois families feel the pressure.

#2

Second-highest effective property tax rate in America

#2

Second-highest state gas tax in America

+$1,149/mo

Household cost increase since January 2021 for the same goods and services

+$1,400

Annual state tax increase per Illinois family versus 2018 levels

"I've made my position clear: I want to be helpful to the country."
J.B. Pritzker, while reportedly planning his 2028 presidential campaign

Power first / 03

Caught on the wiretap.

Secret FBI wiretaps captured Pritzker discussing a possible political appointment with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during the corruption investigation that ultimately sent Blagojevich to prison.

Associated Press reported that similar recordings formed the core evidence against Blagojevich. On Pritzker's call, Blagojevich raised the U.S. Senate seat, but Pritzker expressed interest in becoming state treasurer. Read the AP account.

Follow the trail / 04

A record that points away from Illinois.

01

Fair maps?

NPR Illinois reported that his 2018 pledge to veto politician-drawn maps shifted in office to a promise to veto only maps he considered unfair.

02

National donor.

Millions spent nationwide have built political capital and relationships well beyond the job Illinois elected him to do.

03

Out of state.

NBC News reported preliminary fundraising discussions for a possible 2028 presidential run. Pritzker has not announced a presidential campaign.

J.B. Pritzker questions / 05

The record, answered and sourced.

Direct answers to common questions about Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, state taxes, redistricting, the Blagojevich wiretap, and 2028 presidential speculation.

Who is J.B. Pritzker?

J.B. Pritzker is the 43rd governor of Illinois. The Democrat was first elected in 2018, took office in January 2019, and won reelection in 2022.

What are Illinois tax rates under Gov. J.B. Pritzker?

Tax Foundation ranks Illinois second nationally for its 1.88% effective property tax rate and second for its 66.4-cent-per-gallon state gas tax.

Did J.B. Pritzker promise fair legislative maps?

NPR Illinois reported that candidate Pritzker pledged in 2018 to veto legislative maps drawn by lawmakers, party leaders, or their staffs. In 2021, he instead said he would veto maps he considered unfair.

Is J.B. Pritzker running for president in 2028?

Pritzker has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign. NBC News reported in May 2026 that preliminary discussions and outreach to national fundraising operatives had occurred while his campaign said he remained focused on reelection as governor.

What did the Blagojevich wiretap reveal about J.B. Pritzker?

The Pritzker call was recorded during the FBI investigation that led to Rod Blagojevich’s corruption conviction and 14-year prison sentence. Associated Press reported that wiretap recordings formed the core evidence against Blagojevich. On the Pritzker call, Blagojevich raised Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat, but Pritzker expressed interest in the state treasurer job.

Primary and reported sources

Last reviewed July 28, 2026

The choice is clear

Dangerous J.B. is too expensive for Illinois.

His contradictions on fair maps. His role in making Illinois unaffordable. His presidential ambitions. It all adds up.

Review the record again