Governor JB Pritzker began a statewide campaign bus tour on Wednesday, putting the spotlight on former Republican President Donald Trump as a key source of Illinois’ difficulties during his tenure. Pritzker, a Democrat, has held office for nearly eight years and is seeking an uncommon third term. His campaign emphasizes working people, affordability, and protection from the Trump administration’s perceived harm in Washington, D.C.
Outside the Adler Planetarium, Pritzker, alongside his running mate Christian Mitchell, highlighted Trump’s influence on Illinois’ challenges. With around 70 days to the November 3 election, Pritzker is making a point to Illinois voters about the significance of the gubernatorial race. He argues that Trump’s policies adversely affected the state. Pritzker plans to use his opponent Darren Bailey’s previous support for Trump to his advantage. Bailey had Trump’s endorsement in his previous bid for governor in 2022, where he lost to Pritzker by nearly 13 percentage points.
Trump has consistently lost Illinois by over 10 percentage points in recent presidential elections. His current low approval ratings are influenced by economic strains, such as the war in Iran. Pritzker says his administration has countered many difficulties imposed by Trump’s policies, including balancing budgets while providing healthcare and food assistance.
Despite his criticism of Trump, Pritzker barely mentioned Bailey in his initial remarks, only referencing him during questions from reporters. He criticized Bailey’s ties to Trump by referring to him as a “Donald Trump sycophant,” predicting Bailey will lose in November.
Meanwhile, Bailey criticized Pritzker after meeting outside a Tyson Foods plant that announced layoffs. He accused Pritzker’s administration of failing to replace lost jobs. Pritzker attributed the layoffs to national trends, noting rising beef prices and Tyson’s facility closures elsewhere.
Pritzker addressed Bailey’s use of curriculum in Full Armor Christian Academy, which teaches that dinosaurs and humans coexisted. Bailey’s campaign alleged that such criticisms incited a threatening message to the school, calling the criticism reckless.
The campaign tour continued with a rally at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 14. Pritzker acknowledged union members’ support and received an endorsement from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.
Christopher Mitchell addressed the union members, highlighting Pritzker’s opposition to Trump’s perceived threats to workers. He contrasted Bailey with Pritzker, labeling Bailey as aligned with anti-union policies from former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.
On the same day, Pritzker signed new legislation for regulating high-speed e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric unicycles, effective next year. His office also announced the state received its 11th credit upgrade from a major Wall Street ratings agency since 2021.