### JB Pritzker Announces Bid for Third Term as Illinois Governor Amid 2028 Presidential Speculation - Illinois Governor JB Pritzker officially announced his intention to run for a third term in the 2026 gubernatorial election on June 26, 2025. This announcement comes amidst growing speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential race. Pritzker's campaign launch video prominently features criticism of former President Donald Trump, indicating a strategic positioning against the Republican figurehead as he seeks to solidify his political legacy in Illinois [https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/26/politics/jb-pritzker-illinois-governor-reelection]. ### Structure of the Announcement and Campaign Strategy 1. **Campaign Launch**: Pritzker kicked off his campaign with a four-stop tour across Illinois, including major cities like Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield, emphasizing his commitment to "keep Illinois moving forward" [https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-announces-election-campaign-3rd-term-video-thursday/16852707]. 2. **Criticism of Trump**: In his announcement, Pritzker took a direct jab at Trump, framing his re-election bid as a means to protect Illinois from the "chaos and craziness" associated with the former president [https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-06-26/pritzker-announces-run-3rd-term-illinois-trump]. 3. **Legacy and Political Ambitions**: Pritzker's decision to seek a third term marks him as the first Illinois governor since Jim Thompson in 1982 to pursue this path. His campaign is not only focused on state issues but also hints at his aspirations for a higher political office, which he has not explicitly confirmed [https://pantagraph.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_f4f8c066-f27a-4f80-82e6-681bcb8c66e1.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Campaign Video**: The launch video serves as a critical tool in Pritzker's campaign, showcasing his achievements and setting the tone for his re-election efforts. It also strategically positions him against Trump, appealing to Democratic voters who are wary of the former president's influence [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/06/26/gov-pritzker-takes-jab-at-trump-while-announcing-third-term-dodges-questions-on-presidential-bid-video]. - **Public Reception**: The announcement has received mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that Pritzker's legacy merits "firing, not rehiring," suggesting that his tenure has not met public expectations [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/26/watch-illinois-democrat-gov-jb-pritzkers-run-for-third-term-slammed-as-legacy-merits-firing-not-rehiring]. ### Conclusion: Pritzker's Political Landscape and Future Prospects - **Key Takeaways**: 1. **Re-election Bid**: Pritzker is actively campaigning for a third term, emphasizing continuity and progress in Illinois governance. 2. **Strategic Positioning**: His campaign is framed against Trump, appealing to Democratic voters and positioning himself as a stabilizing force in contrast to Republican chaos. 3. **Future Ambitions**: While he has not confirmed intentions for a presidential run, the speculation surrounding his political future adds a layer of complexity to his current campaign. In summary, JB Pritzker's announcement to seek a third term as Illinois governor is a significant political move that intertwines state governance with national political aspirations, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2028 presidential race [https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2025-06-25/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-to-seek-a-3rd-term-amid-questions-about-higher-political-ambitions].