Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sparks 2028 speculation with upcoming stop in key presidential primary state
The New Hampshire Democratic Party made a significant announcement on Monday that is bound to generate speculation about the 2028 election. They revealed that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker will be headlining their largest annual fundraiser this spring. Governor Pritzker, a two-term leader of the blue state of Illinois, is set to deliver the keynote address at the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner on April 27 in Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city.
As a member of the influential Pritzker family, who are known for owning the Hyatt hotel chain and starting various venture capital and investment startups, Governor Pritzker is being viewed as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic Party presidential nomination. Visits to New Hampshire are seen as early signs of a politician’s interest in running for the presidency in the upcoming election, as the state has historically held the first primary in the race for the White House for over a century.
At 60 years old, Governor Pritzker has been at the forefront of his party’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. Alongside Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Pritzker launched the Governors Safeguarding Democracy group late last year to resist the Trump administration following the Democrats’ losses in the previous elections.
In recent weeks, Governor Pritzker has escalated his criticisms of President Trump and his administration, positioning himself as a strong voice against their policies. His progressive record of accomplishments has garnered praise from the New Hampshire Democratic Party, with longtime chair Ray Buckley highlighting Pritzker as an example of effective Democratic governance.
Despite not being term-limited from seeking re-election in 2026, Governor Pritzker has not confirmed whether he will run for a third term in Illinois. His previous engagements in New Hampshire, including headlining the 2022 Democratic Party convention and campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, have solidified his presence in the state.
Having successfully advocated for hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Governor Pritzker is no stranger to the political landscape. As a potential contender for the 2028 White House race, his upcoming appearance at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s fundraiser signals his continued involvement in national politics.
Paul Steinhauser, a seasoned politics reporter based in New Hampshire, provided insights into Governor Pritzker’s rising profile and potential aspirations for higher office. The anticipation surrounding Pritzker’s keynote address in April underscores the significance of his presence in shaping the Democratic Party’s future direction.
