J.B. Pritzker — Democratic Candidate for Governor in Illinois, 2026

J.B. Pritzker supports expanded protections for immigrants, signing legislation that requires Illinois hospitals, public universities, community colleges, and day care facilities to establish procedures for federal immigration agent encounters. The law also permits individuals subject to civil arrest to sue law enforcement officers for constitutional violations. He advocates for an approach to immigration rooted in empathy and solidarity, as expressed in his 2026 State of the State address.

““With my signature today, we are protecting people and institutions that belong here in Illinois. Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor, or attending your classes should not be a life-altering task,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois — in the face of cruelty and intimidation — has chosen solidarity and support. Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and Gregory Bovino have tried to appeal to our lesser instincts. But the best of us are standing up to the worst of them.””

J.B. Pritzker advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare, emphasizing cost reduction for families. He recently facilitated the elimination of $1 billion in medical debt for over 500,000 Illinois residents. He also joined a coalition of governors to urge Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits, stating families shouldn't choose between having healthcare and putting food on the table, and aims to rein in price gouging.

““For many hardworking families across Illinois, these tax credits keep affordable healthcare within reach,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between having healthcare and putting food on the table. Republicans in Congress had no issue cutting taxes for billionaires, so they should have no issue extending tax relief for their own constituents who will suffer if they expire. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue – it’s common sense.” (Governor JB Pritzker, Joint letter urging Congressional leadership, September 17, 2025)”

J.B. Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act on January 8, 2026, which aims to lower utility bills, strengthen the grid, and expand cost-saving clean energy resources. He also joined the US Climate Alliance, stating a commitment to preserving Illinois' natural resources like forests, farms, rivers, and wetlands. Pritzker believes that all Illinoisans deserve a healthy environment with clean air and water. He has criticized federal actions for contributing to rising energy costs.

““This is about protecting the beauty of our state’s natural resources,” he said. “We’re home to forests and farms, to rivers and lakes, to prairies and wetlands that should be preserved and protected for generations to come. This is also about ensuring that the people of Illinois have clean air and clean water. Every Illinoisan deserves a healthy environment to live and raise a family in.” (J.B. Pritzker, capitolnewsillinois.com, February 26, 2026)”

J.B. Pritzker supports abortion and reproductive rights, launching the Prairie State Access Fund to expand access in Illinois and nationally. He signed the Birth Equity Act (HB 5142), which mandates comprehensive abortion coverage in Illinois health insurance, with the goal of ensuring all families receive care regardless of income level. Pritzker aims to fortify Illinois as a haven for reproductive health, believing the state trusts women to make their medical decisions.

““The Prairie State Access Fund is an example of true public and private sector partnership in building a more connected and resourced reproductive health ecosystem. Together, we are sending a clear message in our state and across the country: Illinois trusts women to make their own medical decisions,” Pritzker said Wednesday, January 28, 2026.”

J.B. Pritzker opposes federal military deployment plans, characterizing them as a tactic to influence the 2026 elections and normalize military involvement in civilian matters. He also criticized federal tariffs, stating they negatively impacted farmers, caused issues with allies, and were unconstitutional. He demanded billions in refunds for Illinois residents due to these tariffs.

“Your tariff taxes wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies, and sent grocery prices through the roof. This morning, your hand-picked Supreme Court justices notified you that they are also unconstitutional. On behalf of the people of Illinois, I demand a refund of $1,700 for every family in Illinois. There are 5,105,448 households in my state, bringing the total damages you owe to $8,679,261,600. (J.B. Pritzker, NBC Chicago, no date provided in article beyond publication date)”

J.B. Pritzker proposes increased funding for education in his FY2026 budget, including a $350 million increase for Evidence-Based Funding and $1.3 million for Career and Technical Education. He aims to improve student-teacher ratios and outcomes for children. Additionally, he supports initiatives for streamlined postsecondary admissions and a ban on cellphones in classrooms, proposing a new social media fee to raise $200 million for education expenses.

““We prioritize school funding, putting billions more into public education to improve the student teacher ratio and get better outcomes for our children,” Pritzker said during his State of the State speech on February 18, 2026.”

J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8, the Safe Gun Storage Act, in July 2025, taking effect in 2026. This legislation requires gun owners to store firearms securely in locked containers to prevent access by minors or prohibited individuals, with violations carrying fines up to $10,000. He also advocates for universal background checks, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, viewing gun violence as a public health epidemic.