Pritzker has positioned himself as a leading Democratic voice against President Donald Trump. He is the first Illinois governor since the late former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson to seek a third consecutive term. So far, the only known Republican who announced he is challenging Pritzker is DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.

The Democratic incumbent returned to the Grand Crossing Park Field House where he launched his first run for governor in 2017, making his case for another term.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday that he would run for a third term in 2026, amid speculation over his ambitions for the 2028 presidential race, with the release of a campaign launch video featuring sharp criticism of President Donald Trump.