Illinois Gov. Pritzker announces bid for 3rd term

CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker is hoping to stick around a little while longer. On Thursday morning, he officially kicked off his campaign for a third term.

The announcement came in a video shared Thursday morning which features Pritzker detailing the accomplishments of his administration.

“We don’t just talk about problems, in Illinois, we solve them, because we know government ought to stand up for working families to be a force for good, not a weapon of revenge,” Pritzker said.

Additionally, the Governor, a vocal critic of President Trump, vowed to stand up to the current presidential administration.

“Donald Trump has made clear he will stop at nothing to get his way. I’m not about to stand by and let him tear down all we’re building in Illinois.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will not be joining Pritzker seeking a third term, as he’s running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

With Stratton eyeing federal office, Pritzker must now find a new running mate and sources say he’s come up with a shortlist that includes State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth and Deputy Governor Andy Manar, though he is not expected to name his pick this week.

Pritzker’s announcement Thursday ends speculation about the potential higher office.

Leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Pritzker was a top contender as Kamala Harris’ running mate.

Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, has served as governor since 2019 and is the first Illinois governor to seek a third term since Gov. Jim Thompson announced a bid in 1982.

The primary is next March and the general election will follow in November. 

The 2026 Illinois gubernatorial election, which will be held on November 3, 2026, will coincide with a handful of state and federal elections, including the US Senate and House.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.