JB Pritzker & Christian Mitchell

JB Pritzker is the Democratic governor seeking a third term.¹ His running mate Christian Mitchell is a former state representative, deputy governor and University of Chicago vice president, and serves as a first lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard.²

The campaign focuses on lowering costs for families.¹ Pritzker says he has made Illinois more affordable by eliminating the state sales tax on groceries, doubling the child tax credit and lowering prescription drug prices.³ He opposes using one-time legal settlement funds for ongoing budget gaps like the Chicago school deficit.⁴ Mitchell says he will carry out the governor's agenda to lower costs and raise wages.⁵ Pritzker supports the state ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and Mitchell has advocated for universal background checks.⁶ Pritzker says Illinois should not let data centers drive up electricity bills, put pressure on water supplies or override local concerns.⁷ In 2017, Mitchell co-sponsored legislation to direct over $200 million to needy school districts.⁸ The campaign pledges to protect reproductive rights.⁹

During Pritzker's tenure, Illinois raised the minimum wage toward $15.¹ The state also legalized recreational cannabis and set clean energy goals.¹⁰ As deputy governor, Mitchell led a $45 billion infrastructure plan through the state legislature.¹⁰ He also served as the legislative lead on the state assault weapons ban after the Highland Park shooting.¹¹ In 2024, Pritzker authorized the state employee health insurance plan to cover GLP-1 drugs.¹² He also signed legislation to regulate high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters.¹³