Illinois Gov. criticizes Democrats for aiding Republicans in avoiding shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker criticized top Democrats on Capitol Hill for helping Republicans avert a government shutdown.

Speaking at the Center for American Progress, Pritzker praised Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) for voting ‘No,’ but did not mention Sen. Dick Durbin (D), who joined Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) in pushing the Republican-backed budget plan forward.

“We have to take any opportunity where we have leverage in order to stand up and fight,” Pritzker said. “Now it’s not fight to no end. What do you fight for? It’s to get compromise from this ridiculously quiet Congress that goes along with whatever Donald Trump and Elon Musk are telling them?”

Pritzker’s efforts to raise his national profile in recent weeks have fueled questions about his own political ambitions.

Last week, the Governor said he hadn’t decided if he would seek a third term next year. It has been speculated that he could be considering a presidential campaign in 2028.