Say no to Pritzker in 2028

Illinois governor's failures show he's unfit for the White House

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The author, an Illinois native, argues that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker should not be the Democrats' next presidential candidate in 2028. The author cites Pritzker's failures in governing Illinois, including raising taxes, driving up state spending, failing to address violent crime in Chicago, and refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The author contends that Pritzker is unfit for the presidency and that Americans do not want another Illinois Democrat in the White House.

Why it matters

This op-ed provides a critical perspective on a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, highlighting the governor's poor record in Illinois and arguing that his leadership style and policy decisions make him unfit for the nation's highest office.

The details

The author, an Illinois native, is running for governor to undo Pritzker's failures. The author argues that under Pritzker's leadership, Illinois has seen higher taxes, record state spending, economic stagnation, and an exodus of residents fleeing the state. The author also criticizes Pritzker for his stance on immigration, noting that he has refused to cooperate with ICE and released over 1,700 criminal illegal aliens, even as the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration has helped reduce crime in Illinois.

  • Pritzker is already playing president, appearing on late-night talk shows and parroting the anti-Trump talking point du jour.
  • Since the launch of ICE's Operation Midway Blitz, shootings, robberies and carjackings have all dropped by double digits, with no help from Mr. Pritzker.

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The current governor of Illinois who the author argues is unfit to be the Democrats' next presidential candidate in 2028.

Rick Heidner

An Illinois native who is running for governor to undo Pritzker's failures.

James Carville

A Democratic strategist who the author says would bet heavily on Pritzker becoming the next Democratic presidential nominee.

Barack Obama

A former president from Illinois who the author argues divided the nation and paved the way for the election of President Trump.

Donald Trump

The former president who the author says was elected twice in part due to the divisions created under Obama's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Trust me, Americans do not want a failed leader such as Mr. Pritzker anywhere near the White House, and we don't want to make America Illinois again.”

— Rick Heidner, Illinois gubernatorial candidate

“People vote with their feet, and they are leaving Illinois for greener pastures. So many Illinoisans have fled the state that even mass illegal immigration can't make up the difference.”

— Rick Heidner, Illinois gubernatorial candidate

The takeaway

This op-ed highlights the dangers of elevating a failed state leader like Pritzker to the national stage, arguing that his record of tax hikes, fiscal mismanagement, and lax immigration policies have harmed Illinois and would be detrimental to the country as a whole if he were to become president.