Rise to Success: Career Highlights of JB Pritzker
How JB Pritzker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jay Robert "JB" Pritzker is the current governor of Illinois, serving since 2019. He hails from the prominent Pritzker family, known for owning the Hyatt hotel chain. Before entering politics, Pritzker was a successful businessman, founding several venture capital and investment firms, most notably the Pritzker Group, where he serves as a managing partner. He leverages his business acumen in his role as governor, focusing on economic development initiatives for the state.
1975: Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 repealed
In June 2019, Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act, into law, repealing the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975.
1990: Gas tax increase matching inflation since 1990
In June 2019, as part of the Rebuild Illinois plan, the gas tax was increased to match inflation since the last gas tax increase in 1990, raising it from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon.
1992: Possible Campaign for US House Seat
In 1992, Pritzker considered a possible campaign for Illinois's 9th district in the United States House of Representatives, but abandoned his plans after Sidney R. Yates decided to seek reelection.
1993: Established campaign committee
In 1993, Pritzker established a campaign committee in anticipation of a possible run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
1994: Possible Campaign for US House Seat
In 1994, Pritzker considered a possible campaign for Illinois's 9th district in the United States House of Representatives, but abandoned his plans after Sidney R. Yates decided to seek reelection.
1994: Largest margin in a gubernatorial race since 1994
On November 6, 2018, Pritzker defeated incumbent Republican governor Bruce Rauner in the general election, by the largest margin in a gubernatorial race since 1994.
1996: Possible Campaign for US House Seat
In 1996, Pritzker considered a possible campaign for Illinois's 9th district in the United States House of Representatives, but abandoned his plans after Sidney R. Yates decided to seek reelection.
April 1997: Reconstituted Campaign Committee
In April 1997, Pritzker reconstituted his campaign committee in preparation for a run in the Democratic primary to succeed Sidney R. Yates.
1998: Ran in Democratic Primary
In 1998, Pritzker ran in the Democratic primary to succeed Sidney R. Yates, who opted to forgo reelection.
1998: Failed Congressional Run
In 1998, Pritzker ran to represent Illinois's 9th congressional district, but lost in the Democratic primary.
2003: Appointed Chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2003, Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Pritzker to chair the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
2003: Chaired the Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2003, Pritzker was appointed to chair the Illinois Human Rights Commission under Governor Rod Blagojevich.
2006: Stepped down as Chair of Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2006, Pritzker left his position as the chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
2006: Left the Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2006, Pritzker left the chairmanship of the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
2006: First Illinois governor to be elected to a second term since 2006
In 2021, J.B. Pritzker was confirmed on Twitter that he would run for reelection, and won. Pritzker is the first Illinois governor to have been elected to a second term since 2006.
2008: National Co-Chair of Hillary Clinton's Campaign
In the 2008 presidential election, Pritzker served as national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's campaign.
June 30, 2011: Tax Amnesty Program eligibility
On June 5, 2019, Pritzker signed a bipartisan $40 billion balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, it was announced that people who owed taxes from between June 30, 2011, and July 1, 2018, were able to take advantage of a "tax amnesty" program that allowed them to pay without penalty.
2016: Delegate to the Democratic National Convention
In 2016, Pritzker was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
April 6, 2017: Announced Candidacy for Governor of Illinois
On April 6, 2017, Pritzker announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor of Illinois, receiving endorsements from various political figures and labor unions.
August 10, 2017: Announced Juliana Stratton as Running Mate
On August 10, 2017, Pritzker announced that Juliana Stratton would be his running mate for the Illinois gubernatorial election.
December 2017: Campaign Spending
By December 2017, Pritzker had spent $42 million of his own money on his campaign for governor, without receiving funding from other sources.
March 20, 2018: Won Democratic Primary for Governor
On March 20, 2018, Pritzker won the Democratic primary for governor by a large margin, receiving 45.13% of the vote.
July 1, 2018: Tax Amnesty Program eligibility
On June 5, 2019, Pritzker signed a bipartisan $40 billion balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, it was announced that people who owed taxes from between June 30, 2011, and July 1, 2018, were able to take advantage of a "tax amnesty" program that allowed them to pay without penalty.
November 6, 2018: Defeated Bruce Rauner in General Election
On November 6, 2018, Pritzker defeated incumbent Republican governor Bruce Rauner in the general election, receiving 54.53% of the vote.
2018: Planned Parenthood Supported Pritzker During Primaries
During the 2018 gubernatorial Democratic primaries, Planned Parenthood supported Pritzker, along with Kennedy and Biss.
2018: Won the Democratic Primary for Governor
In 2018, Pritzker won the Democratic primary for governor of Illinois.
January 14, 2019: Took office as Governor of Illinois
On January 14, 2019, J.B. Pritzker officially took office as the Governor of Illinois, after defeating Bruce Rauner in the general election.
January 17, 2019: Pritzker signed bill requiring state certification for gun dealers
On January 17, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill requiring state certification for gun dealers and mandating physical security measures, detailed inventory lists, and annual employee training. The Illinois State Rifle Association challenged the bill, arguing it violates the Second Amendment, leading to a lawsuit.
January 22, 2019: Pritzker Expanded Reproductive Coverage for State Employees
On January 22, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order expanding reproductive coverage, including abortion, for state employees and women covered under Illinois state health insurance.
January 23, 2019: Pritzker committed Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance
On January 23, 2019, Pritzker committed Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 26% by 2025.
January 24, 2019: Pritzker Expanded Access to Illinois Welcome Centers for Immigrants and Refugees
On January 24, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order to expand access to Illinois welcome centers, offering guidance on citizenship, healthcare, education, jobs, and legal services for immigrants and refugees.
February 19, 2019: Pritzker Signed Bill Raising Minimum Wage to $15
On February 19, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill increasing the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, making Illinois the fifth state to do so. The bill also includes a tax credit for small businesses.
April 1, 2019: Created Illinois's Youth Parole system
On April 1, 2019, Pritzker created Illinois's Youth Parole system.
April 7, 2019: Pritzker Made Illinois First Midwest State to Adopt Tobacco 21
On April 7, 2019, Pritzker made Illinois the first state in the Midwest to adopt Tobacco 21, raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21.
April 12, 2019: Pritzker signed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act
On April 12, 2019, Pritzker signed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, protecting the right of employers, employees, and labor organizations to collectively bargain.
May 17, 2019: Pritzker signed legislation to help workers exposed to toxic substances
On May 17, 2019, Pritzker signed legislation to help workers exposed to toxic substances, further ensuring worker safety.
June 5, 2019: Signed $40 Billion Balanced Budget
On June 5, 2019, Pritzker signed a bipartisan $40 billion balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, which included increased funding for U.S. Census participation efforts and was paid for by tax increases.
June 2019: Pritzker Deployed National Guard to Combat Flooding
In June 2019, Pritzker deployed 200 Illinois National Guardsmen to assist with flood control efforts in central and southern Illinois, including sandbagging and levee protection.
June 2019: Signed Reproductive Health Act into Law
In June 2019, Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act, into law, repealing the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 and ensuring the fundamental right to make autonomous decisions about reproductive health.
June 2019: Pritzker Ordered Schools to Be Affirming and Inclusive of Transgender and Non-Binary Students
In June 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order requiring schools across the state to be "affirming and inclusive" of transgender and non-binary students.
June 2019: Pritzker Signed Rebuild Illinois Capital Bill
In late June 2019, Pritzker signed the bipartisan capital bill Rebuild Illinois, allocating $45 billion over six years to create 540,000 jobs. The plan includes funding for transportation, schools, environmental protection, broadband internet, healthcare, libraries, and minority-owned businesses.
June 21, 2019: Pritzker signed bill banning private immigration detention centers
On June 21, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill banning the operation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois, and another bill preventing state and local police from cooperating with ICE. College students who are undocumented immigrants or identify as transgender may apply for state financial aid.
July 1, 2019: Gas Tax Increase Took Effect
On July 1, 2019, the gas tax that funds the 2019 infrastructure plan, set at 38 cents per gallon and indexed to inflation, took effect. As of 2019, Illinois had one of the highest fuel taxes in the U.S.
July 2019: Signed House Bill 2512
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 2512, requiring state universities to report tuition fees to the Illinois Board of Higher Education to increase transparency in higher education costs.
July 2019: Pritzker created a food program for the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 3343, creating a food program for the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless, allowing them to collect benefits from private businesses contracted with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). This implemented the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
July 2019: Signed bill increasing penalties for texting drivers
In July 2019, Pritzker signed a bill that increases penalties for drivers who got involved in a road incident with injuries while texting. Under this bill, a person who causes serious injuries due to driving while texting could be fined at least $1,000 and have their driver's license suspended for a year. The law took effect immediately.
August 2019: Pritzker Erased Drug Conviction of Army Veteran
In August 2019, Pritzker erased the drug conviction of Miguel Perez Jr., an Army veteran who suffered a brain injury in Afghanistan and was deported to Mexico in 2018. Supporters hoped the pardon would facilitate his return to the U.S.
August 2019: Pritzker Requested Federal Disaster Declaration for Illinois Counties
In August 2019, Pritzker officially requested a federal disaster declaration for 32 Illinois counties due to flooding that began in February 2019.
December 4, 2019: College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force report deadline
On December 4, 2019, the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force, created by Pritzker, was to report its findings to the General Assembly.
2019: Funded Illinois State Police cadets
According to the governor's office, the 2019–20 budget funded two classes of Illinois State Police cadets in 2019.
2019: Increased education spending in Illinois
In 2019, Illinois authorized more spending on education in the balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, with funding increases for grade schools, community colleges, and state universities. The budget allocated nearly $379 million more for grade schools, exceeding the required $29 million by the new state funding formula. Community colleges received an additional $14 million, public universities got $53 million, and low-income student grants increased by $50 million. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services also received $80 million to address financial pressures through new staffing and service improvements.
2019: Sworn in as Governor of Illinois
In 2019, Jay Robert Pritzker began serving as the 43rd governor of Illinois, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
2019: Pritzker Approved Tax on Private Insurance for Medicaid Program
In 2019, Pritzker approved a tax on private insurance to support the state's Medicaid program.
2019: Budget Allocation for Veterans Homes
In 2019, the budget allocated $230 million for a new Quincy Veterans Home and $21 million for the Chicago Veterans Home.
2019: Expanded gambling to fund capital spending bill
In 2019, to pay for his capital spending bill, Pritzker expanded gambling, allowing more casinos and legalized sports betting, which is projected to bring an additional $350 million in revenue each year. This gambling expansion bill extends to Chicago.
December 31, 2019: Pardoned 11,000 People for Low-Level Cannabis Convictions
On December 31, 2019, Pritzker pardoned approximately 11,000 people for low-level cannabis convictions.
January 2020: End of copay for offsite medical treatments in juvenile facilities
In January 2020, House Bill 2045, which Pritzker signed in July 2019, went into effect, ending the practice of collecting a $5 copay for offsite medical and dental treatments from people detained at a juvenile correction facility.
June 2020: Pritzker expanded voting by making Election Day a state holiday
In June 2020, Pritzker signed legislation to expand voting access by designating Election Day as a state holiday.
July 2020: Cannabis Sales Generated $52 Million in Tax Revenue
By July 2020, cannabis sales in Illinois, following legalization, had generated over $52 million in tax revenue.
2020: Launched job training program for community colleges
In 2020, Pritzker launched a job training program for community colleges, with funding based on the percentage of low-income students attending.
December 31, 2020: Announced expungement of cannabis-related arrest records
On December 31, 2020, Pritzker announced the expungement of approximately 500,000 non-felony cannabis-related arrest records.
February 22, 2021: Signed criminal justice reform bill
On February 22, 2021, Pritzker signed a criminal justice reform bill that makes Illinois the first U.S. state to eliminate cash bail, scheduled to go into effect in January 2023 but was put on hold pending the Illinois Supreme Court's review.
June 2021: Considered Retiring After One Term
In June 2021, it was reported that Pritzker was considering retiring after one term in office.
March 1, 2022: Task force report on traffic stops
On March 1, 2022, the task force created by House Bill 1613, which Pritzker signed into law, was to report to the governor and the General Assembly with data and analysis on traffic stops, to address racial disparities.
May 5, 2022: Lightfoot announced selection of Bally's for Chicago casino
On May 5, 2022, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that she had selected Bally's Corporation's bid to construct a casino resort near the Chicago River.
2022: Cannabis Sales Generated $445.3 Million in Tax Revenue
By the end of 2022, cannabis sales in Illinois, following legalization, had generated over $445.3 million in tax revenue.
2022: Reelected as Governor
In 2022, Pritzker was reelected as Governor of Illinois, defeating Darren Bailey.
January 9, 2023: Second Term as Governor Began
On January 9, 2023, Pritzker's second term in office as Governor of Illinois began.
January 11, 2023: Pritzker signs ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines
On January 11, 2023, Pritzker signed a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, effective immediately. This legislation affected approximately 2.5 million Illinois gun owners, prompting legal challenges from gun rights organizations.
October 2023: Pritzker Launched Abortion Rights Nonprofit
In October 2023, Pritzker launched and funded the abortion rights nonprofit Think Big America, which targets ballot measures in other states as part of a broader campaign against far-right extremism.
2023: Pritzker Declined Meeting with Representative Phillips
In 2023, Pritzker declined to speak directly with Representative Dean Phillips regarding his effort to persuade Pritzker to challenge President Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.
2023: Pritzker Vetoed Nuclear Power Plant Construction Legislation
In 2023, Pritzker vetoed legislation to lift a moratorium on nuclear power plant construction in Illinois, citing concerns over nuclear waste.
February 2024: Pritzker Criticized Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
In February 2024, Pritzker criticized the Gaza ceasefire resolution passed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and rejected calls for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza war.
November 2024: Establishment of State Governors Alliance
In November 2024, Pritzker and other U.S. state governors established an alliance to protect their interests against anticipated changes in the federal government.
2024: Mentioned as Possible Running Mate for Kamala Harris
In 2024, Pritzker was mentioned as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, but Tim Walz was chosen instead.
January 1, 2025: Minimum wage reaches $15 an hour
On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois reached $15 an hour, as per the plan enacted by Pritzker during his campaign for governor. The wage increased by $1 per hour each year, starting in 2020.
January 2025: Pritzker Spoke on Deportation of Illegal Immigrants
In January 2025, when asked about the mass deportation of illegal immigrants in the second presidency of Donald Trump, Pritzker favored deporting convicted criminals who are undocumented but opposed targeting law-abiding residents.
2025: Greenhouse gas emissions target
As of January 23, 2019, Pritzker committed Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 26% by 2025.
2028: Mention of House Bill 2028
There is mention of Pritzker signing House Bill 2028, but the exact date it was signed isn't specified in 2028. The bill doubles the compensation rate for families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $10,000 to $20,000.
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