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* Here you go…
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker announced his re-election campaign, pledging to continue to get big things done for working families and keep moving Illinois forward. The announcement comes with the release of a new video “Keep Illinois Moving Forward,” where the Governor makes the choice clear between our historic progress here in Illinois and the chaos in Washington – direct from the center of Illinois in Chestnut.
“These days, Illinois is standing at the center of the fight: the fight to make life more affordable, the fight to protect our freedoms, the fight for common sense,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We don’t just talk about problems. In Illinois, we solve them. Because we know government ought to stand up for working families and be a force for good, not a weapon of revenge.
“I’m running for re-election to protect our progress and continue solving the problems we face. I love this state, and it’s the honor of my life to serve as your Governor – to help lead through the most challenging of times and celebrate the most joyful ones together. I’m ready for the fight ahead. So, whether you’re at the center of Illinois, or anywhere else, join me, let’s keep Illinois moving forward.”
Governor Pritzker’s announcement comes on the heels of signing his seventh balanced budget, ushering in an era of fiscal stability in Illinois that has led to nine credit upgrades and the elimination of nearly $17 billion in unpaid bills. This success has allowed Illinois to invest in core priorities including tax relief for working families, record funding for early childhood education, K-12 schools, and higher education financial aid, and healthcare affordability.
With newfound fiscal stability, the Governor has made transformative investments in infrastructure and secured major economic development wins for the state. Illinois is now a leader in the industries of the future like quantum and electric vehicle manufacturing, creating tens of thousands of jobs and bringing billions in investments to our communities.
Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, Illinois remains a symbol of hope and freedom as we face down Donald Trump’s attacks, with abortion rights and civil rights enshrined into law and protections for our LGBTQ and immigrant communities stronger than ever before. Keeping Illinoisans safe remains the Governor’s top priority and with a ban on assault weapons, bump stocks, and ghost guns and historic investments in violence prevention, communities are safer and more prosperous.
Through it all, the Governor has never lost sight of the promise he made in his first campaign – to put Springfield back on the side of working families. In passing a $15 minimum wage, mandating paid leave, and enshrining worker protections into law, the Governor has made clear he will always fight for the working people of Illinois.
…Adding… Click here to read the governor’s prepared remarks. Click here to watch it live. [Fixed link.]
posted by Isabel Miller
Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 8:01 am
Previous Post: Why Are Tax-Exempt Hospitals Getting Rich?
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9/10. Would like to see how they cut it to :15, :30, and :60 before giving a 10/10.
Comment by The Truth Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 8:29 am
Good ad because it’s going to focus on his accomplishments, and designed for a national audience.
To Rich — the SunTimes article has a bunch of potential GOP opponents for JB, basically some sheriff and other not-very-well-known pols. If it’s not Vallas as the sacrificial lamb, I’ll give you $50 to donate to the charity of your choice.
Comment by Old IL Dude Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 8:35 am
He’s come a long way from asking Blago for a job. That gave me a very weak opinion of him. He’s grown and exceeded expectations.
Comment by Save Ferris Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 8:57 am
I’m disappointed he didn’t use any of the slogans we suggested yesterday.
Comment by Jr. Neef Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:00 am
More Trump bashing. Nothing about lowering our taxes. give it a 1
Comment by lowdrag Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:12 am
Try to find the logic
Record state budget funded by increased taxes is good for Illinois working families
Donald Trump tariffs are bad for Illinois working class families
Both increase the burden on tight family budgets obviously but JB doesn’t think so
Comment by Paul Powell Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:19 am
It’s a very, very good ad. Well done on the message he wants to get out. No mention of the public pension problem and what to do about it.
Comment by Steve Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:21 am
7/10. Great job at highlighting his accomplishments. But feels like we’ve seen this formula before. I don’t see this exciting a new audience. How does this separate him from Newsom? How does this excite people who are terrified about ICEs over reach? How does this excite people who are late on rent or cutting back to afford groceries?
Comment by Want to Believe Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:29 am
Sheer genius. Center of IL was very good for all those who wish to portray him as zany radical.
Comment by Annon'in Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:38 am
== More Trump bashing. ==
He’s playing to the national audience, starting that campaign now.
Comment by rnug Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:46 am
It’s a safe ad. 7/10… He didn’t discuss most of the hot items, because he frankly didn’t need to. The cycle is moving so fast, and this ad will probably age well because it’s so calculated.
Personally, I would have appreciated a little more fire, especially if he’s serious about running for POTUS, but I understand why he didn’t. Just hoping he’s “saving” that fire for then, otherwise he’s not bringing new people over.
Comment by Ucci Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:52 am
-He’s playing to the national audience-
It’s sells to a local audience . Illinois voters aren’t the median voter nationally as a group.
Comment by Steve Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 9:54 am
Nicely done. Sunny and optimistic. Sharp contrast to the dour DC doom of Trump and his GOP-enablers.
I note as well, this is a kick-off video. Naturally, it’s going to be general and cannot talk about every issue that’s important.
He didn’t mention renewable energy, criminal justice reform or [insert particular issue that you care about]. They hit a few of the ones that poll the best.
That’s OK. There’s time for more over the next 16+ months. This is only the first ad, not the only one.
A small point of criticism: the touting of the grocery tax “elimination” rings a false note. It’s really not a victory when town after town across the state moves to re-enact their own due to the revenue hit. Saying “well, that’s their choice, but we did the right thing eliminating it at the state level” just isn’t credible. I’m disappointed they’ve stuck with it when it clearly hasn’t worked out as intended. That’s kind of Trumpy.
Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:00 am
===I’m disappointed he didn’t use any of the slogans we suggested yesterday. ===
I would like to see a video where he’s riding a horse, dressed like a Kahn, and promising to conquer a few neighboring states.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:00 am
Very good ad. Hits the points and plays locally and does zero damage nationally. Caprara and team are pros.
Comment by LeofromDolton Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:03 am
===Great job at highlighting his accomplishments. But feels like we’ve seen this formula before. I don’t see this exciting a new audience. How does this separate him from Newsom?===
He’s not running against Newsom. This is a very good (9/10) re-election for Illinois Gov video. It feels like you’ve seen this before because he’s running on stability and competence - he’s promising to stay the course which has, so far, been successful.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:04 am
Meh. Empty words from the same politician who vouched for Joe Biden’s fitness to seek a second term.
Comment by Meh Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:06 am
-he’s running on stability and competence -
He’s running on the status quo. That’s what Illinois voters want.
Comment by Steve Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:07 am
7/10. He looks goofy in some of these scenes with the sound off. It really doesn’t matter. JB could win reelection without even announcing.
Comment by James Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:08 am
It’s a B and frankly that’s all he needs. If the recent past is a prologue he will likely face an unelectable extremist. That’s what the Republicans seem to want. Illinois voters as a whole, not so much. JB is going to be seriously challenged until the ILGOP and its voters get serious. I don’t see that happening any time soon.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:11 am
Solid video. Nothing unexpected, but I guess that’s the point. I am what I am, vote for me.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:15 am
A It’s uplifting and attacking all with soothing music. Informative both on the successes and the empty alternative that is Trump’s way. He was not my pick for gov originally but he is doing great.the commercial reflects his performance and his promise.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:20 am
- JB could win reelection without even announcing.-
He doesn’t need to waste money on ads. He’ll get the same outcome no matter what.
Comment by Steve Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:21 am
Solid ad - A-
Can’t wait to see the launch video for Wilhour!
Comment by New Day Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:25 am
Its a great story and really well done. I think it ignores the day to day realities of the people of Illinois, but these days, details really don’t matter. Its a great springboard to 2028.
Comment by Red Ranger Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:29 am
He’s got a walk in the park for this re-election. It was a safe video.
Any thoughts on politicians making their roll-out videos shorter?
It’s not like he isn’t the most well-known person in the state.
Comment by Frida's Boss Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:30 am
That’s really good.
The political media will be almost singularly focused on the Trump references, with lots of “this proves he’s really running for president” takes — and they won’t necessarily be wrong. But Trump bashing is good politics in Illinois. We’ll likely see it from suburban General Assembly candidates in contested races next fall, and none of them are gonna turn around and run for president.
Comment by Roman Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:31 am
In a one party state, having the ‘D’ by your name when you run for Governor seals the deal. Better use of campaign funds to put it in competitive states like Wisconsin.
Comment by Steve Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:41 am
== In a one party state, having the ‘D’ by your name when you run for Governor seals the deal. ==
Pat Quinn would disagree.
Comment by Leap Day William Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:48 am
That is a really good ad. Solid A if not A+
They really make JB seem likeable, highlight accomplishments and get the Trump digs in for the national audience.
Comment by Brave New World Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 10:50 am
=In a one party state=
Nonsense. JB replaced a Republican incumbent as did Mendoza. And Frerichs’ predecessor was also a Republican.
It has never been a one party state. Voters have simply rejected the current GOP candidates and their ideas.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:01 am
- In a one party state, having the ‘D’ by your name when you run for Governor seals the deal -
It’s only been 7 years since we had a republican governor.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:13 am
===It’s only been 7 years since we had a republican governor.===
I did a City Club event during Pat Quinn’s last term, and somebody in the audience asked if Republicans could ever win anything here. I pointed out that they had two statewide elected officials. And, of course, Rauner won in the next round.
The defeatism in the ILGOP here is not new, but it’s still tiring. And they focus on their defeatism far more than figuring out what it will take to actually win statewide races. It ain’t changing seats or rules at the state party, btw.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:29 am
Great ad, rated A. Pritzker talks about the negativity in DC, but a lot is also happening in Republican states: book bans, abortion bans,
teaching bans, DEI bans, fluoride bans, forced religion in public schools, etc. A commercial can be done on that, too.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:37 am
=Pat Quinn would disagree.=
So would Blago. Especially his last two years despite full D control of the constitutionals and IIRC supermajorities in both houses.
Comment by Leatherneck Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:41 am
The pritzker announcement is solid and professional. It hits all of his bullet points. 8.5/10 (Sorry Rich, I posted this on the wrong thread earlier)
=It has never been a one party state. Voters have simply rejected the current GOP candidates and their ideas.=
Spot on @Pundent. I think Illinois runs center, maybe even center right as a whole, the exception would be social issues where we lean left.
=The defeatism in the ILGOP here is not new, but it’s still tiring. And they focus on their defeatism far more than figuring out what it will take to actually win statewide races. It ain’t changing seats or rules at the state party, btw.=
Ballgame. The ILGOP is 0 for 7 years of statewides and what have they done to try to change that? Double, end triple down on two things 1) whining. It is so tired. 2) a losing message.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:51 am
If someone just played the sound for you and you bleeped the name references……you might think it was a Kamala Harris Tim Walz ad…….
Comment by It's always Sunny in Illinois Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:54 am
Grade B. Overall it’s a pleasant, positive and easy going message which I believe is exactly what most voters want to see more of at this particular stage– rather than tiresome messaging of fight and vitriol.
Here’s why it’s a B. He’s really mis-reading the farmer issue IMO. The tariffs are national buzzwords but not the major fear this ad posits with respect to actual Illinois farmers. They are a small constituency to be sure but a very important economic constituency in Illinois. He’d be far better off talking about working to limit foreign ownership of Illinois farms and also promising to work diligently to preserve our state’s best and most productive and precious cropland. What is widely considered to be some of the most fertile and rich and miraculous dirt on planet earth must be recognized and protected from the creeping scourge of corporate windfarms.
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 11:59 am
===creeping scourge of corporate windfarms===
So, you’re gonna tell farmers they can’t put windmills on their own land?
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 12:23 pm
The video was fine. I dont believe he will break a sweat getting re-elected. Has anyone from GOP even expressed an interest in running? This one will be a snoozer that for sure. Last time at least was entertaining when Bailey took up residence in Chicago for a minute. Things have gotten pretty boring in state politics these days.
Comment by regular democrat Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 1:01 pm
Very good ad - only thing I’d add is that the tariffs don’t just hurt farmers and small businesses, but they hurt all of us consumers. I think hitting cost of living all the time, every time, is the way to go.
Comment by Incandenza Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 1:53 pm
After Rauner, all a subsequent Governor needed to do was to govern with a minimum level of competency … and JB has done better than that. It’s his race to lose … and I suspect it would take multiple major mistakes to lose it.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 2:01 pm
==you might think it was a Kamala Harris Tim Walz ad==
Well, they won in Illinois so . . .
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 26, 25 @ 2:02 pm