Chicago Residents Throw Shade at Pritzker’s Presidential Dreams: ‘No Chance to Win’

Talk of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker eyeing a presidential run has residents of Chicago feeling less than enthusiastic—and they're not shy about letting everyone know.

Word is out that Pritzker, the billionaire heir of the Hyatt hotel fortune, is considering a bid for the Democratic nomination in the next presidential election. The rumors are swirling thanks to chatter from political insiders, including Obama-era advisors and local leaders.

But while Pritzker may be plotting his path to the White House, his standing at home isn’t exactly glowing. In fact, some residents are sounding the alarm that his policies—especially on crime, homelessness, and sanctuary status—could become a major stumbling block, not just in Illinois but nationwide.

"A sanctuary city governor who provides more support to migrants than poor Illinois residents in need. Do we really want him representing this country?" questioned Cata Truss, founder of the Chicago Community Roundtable. Truss and others pointed to Pritzker’s support for sanctuary policies as a sore spot, especially after Texas shipped thousands of migrants to Chicago, leaving local taxpayers footing the bill. An audit revealed Illinois spent a jaw-dropping $1.6 billion on healthcare for undocumented migrants since 2020. That’s enough to make anyone’s wallet sweat.

Critics are also raising red flags over Pritzker’s approach to abortion laws, taxes, and general governance. Patricia "P Rae" Easley, a local resident, argued, "His policies put women and children at risk," specifically referencing laws that allow minors to get abortions without parental consent. She didn’t hold back on taxes either, noting, "[Illinois] has the highest taxes in America, and people are fleeing the state like a sinking ship." If Illinois had a rewards program for out-migration, it might just break the points system.

Chicago pastor Corey Brooks captured a wider sentiment: "We have so many issues that need to be focused on. The last thing we need is a governor who’s running for president." When pressed about Pritzker’s chances at the White House, Brooks responded bluntly: "No chance to win." Sometimes, honesty isn’t subtle—but boy, is it clear.

Meanwhile, the political chessboard in Illinois is getting a shakeup. Long-serving Democratic Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement, opening both a Senate seat and potentially the governor’s office if Pritzker runs. Some Republicans see this as their shot to break through in a state that’s been dominated by Democrats. Richard Porter, a former Illinois RNC Committee member, said, "The entire statewide slate on the Democratic side will be up for grabs, and that creates opportunities for Republicans to break through by riding the growing wave of disgust over failed Democrat policies." He called Durbin’s exit the "first domino to fall."

The governor’s office hasn’t commented yet on the presidential rumors. But with voters at home this vocal, it’s clear: Pritzker’s path to the presidency—if he takes it—will be anything but smooth.