SPRINGFIELD, Ill. () — Gov. JB Pritzker has won a rematch with Republican Darren Bailey in the Illinois governor’s race, ABC News projected Tuesday.
Pritzker returned to Peach’s Restaurant in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood Wednesday morning, where he thanked supporters after securing a historic re-election victory and outlined his priorities for a third term.
The governor also unveiled a national agenda for Congress as Democrats were projected to take control of both the House and Senate. His 200-point plan outlines the issues he wants congressional Democrats to address.
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Welcoming voters at the South Side restaurant, Pritzker offered a message of appreciation, saying, “God bless you. Thank you so much. Keep doing what you’re doing. I appreciate you.”
His visit came one day after he defeated Bailey by a decisive margin. The result makes Pritzker the first Democratic governor in Illinois history to win a third term.
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Supporters said they were encouraged by Pritzker’s record and hopeful about what he will pursue during the next four years.
“I’m very excited because he’s done so much for Chicago, and I think he’s a great person,” voter Janet Tolbert said.
Other voters urged the governor to keep his attention on the financial pressures facing Illinois families, particularly the rising cost of living.
“When he stepped up and said he was going to give back, he’s already put many of the things people have been asking for into action. He’s talking about costs. It is about costs,” voter Pastor Earl Grandberry said.
Joined by Lt. Gov.-elect Christian Mitchell, Pritzker thanked voters and spoke about affordability, health care and other concerns facing residents.
“He’s going to bring down the prices of food and gas. He’s a strong man, and we couldn’t ask for anything more,” voter Sandra McNutt Works said.
Mitchell credited Pritzker’s leadership and applauded his decision to seek an unprecedented third term.
“People are saying this is the kind of leadership they want nationally. That’s incredible, but it’s also why it’s so important that he ran for a third term and won. He’s going to be our governor,” Mitchell said.
Pritzker’s win has renewed speculation about whether he could seek the presidency in 2028. Asked about his political future, however, the governor said his attention remains on Illinois.
“We’ve just got to win in 2028. I’m focused on the people of Illinois,” Pritzker said.
Following his appearance at Peach’s Restaurant, Pritzker traveled to Chicago’s West Side to meet community leaders and discuss ways the next Congress could provide relief to Illinois residents.
On 1st day since winning 3rd term as governor, Pritzker releases 200-point national agenda
Although he has not declared a presidential campaign, Pritzker released a 200-point national agenda for congressional Democrats after the party’s sweeping victory in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
The proposal covers immigration, artificial intelligence, health care and efforts to reverse numerous cuts made by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans over the previous two years. Pritzker said Illinois senators Tammy Duckworth and newly elected Juliana Stratton will be expected to advance the plan, which he believes must be pursued before a Democrat can attempt to win back the White House in 2028.
Pritzker’s 75-page document begins by calling for the reversal of specific executive actions taken by Trump. Several recommendations seek to restore funding and programs eliminated by the administration, including support for public health research, while others would block new limits on access to federal programs.
Pritzker and Mitchell are expected to take the oath of office in January, officially beginning their historic third term.
Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.
