Pritzker Not Ruling Out Presidential Run In 2028

ILLINOIS — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he’s not ruling out a 2028 presidential run when interviewed Sunday on “Meet the Press.”

When asked if he’s ruling out a run for president in the next election, Pritzker said he was “focused on running for re-election as governor of the state of the Illinois,” but when pressed, he added, “I can’t rule anything out.”

Pritzker announced plans to seek a third term as governor earlier this summer.

READ MORE:

• Pritzker Announces New Running Mate In Bid For 3rd Term
• Pritzker Goes On 'Colbert,' Jokes About IL Gerrymandering, Defends TX Lawmakers

He was first elected in 2018, handily beating Bruce Rauner, a Republican, by double digits after just one term. Pritzker went on to beat downstate Republican challenger Darren Bailey to secure a second term in 2022.

The richest governor in state history, Pritzker has overseen passage progressive measures as eliminating cash bond, legalizing recreational marijuana, codifying abortion rights and a $50 billion infrastructure package — much to the consternation of conservative voters.

Pritzker headlined a key state fundraiser in New Hampshire in April. State Democratic leaders are privately encouraging other 2028 prospects to visit.

Pritzker’s name is one of many on a long list of potential Democrat presidential hopefuls for 2028, along with fellow governors Gavin Newsom of California, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Wes Moore of Maryland and Tim Walz of Minnesota.

Other possible candidates are California Congressman Ro Khanna, former vice president Kamala Harris, former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.