JB Pritzker says his reelection as Illinois governor shows hope is winning out over fear

Democrat JB Pritzker won re-election as Illinois governor, defeating Republican Darren Bailey and securing a third term. He said the result showed that “hope is winning out over fear” and described a shift in America’s conscience; the victory also adds to attention around his possible ambitions for the 2028 presidential race.

Pritzker is the first Democrat elected to three terms as Illinois governor. A billionaire businessman and heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, he previously defeated Bailey in 2022. In his victory speech, Pritzker said the campaign had climbed one mountain, while another challenge lay ahead.