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 an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 43rd governor of Illinois since 2019.
1975: Repealed Illinois Abortion Law of 1975
In June 2019, JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act, into law, repealing the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 and ensuring reproductive rights.
1992: State representative Jan Schakowsky explored potential run for Congress
In 1992, state representative Jan Schakowsky similarly explored a potential run for if Yates were to retire, and similarly opted not to run once Yates announced his intention to seek reelection.
1993: Established Campaign Committee
In 1993, Pritzker established a campaign committee.
1994: Considered Congressional Run
In 1994, JB Pritzker considered running for Illinois's 9th Congressional District seat but ultimately did not run after the incumbent announced his intention to seek reelection.
1994: Largest Margin in a gubernatorial race
On November 6, 2018, Pritzker won the Democratic primary by a large margin, receiving the largest margin in a gubernatorial race since 1994.
1996: Explored Potential Run for Congress
In 1996, JB Pritzker again explored a potential run for Illinois's 9th Congressional District seat but decided against it after the incumbent announced his intention to seek reelection.
April 1997: Reconstituted Campaign Committee
In April 1997, JB Pritzker reconstituted his campaign committee in preparation for a run for Congress.
1998: Failed Congressional Run
In 1998, JB Pritzker ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois's 9th congressional district, but he lost in the Democratic primary.
1998: Ran in Democratic Primary
In 1998, after Yates opted to forgo reelection, Pritzker ran in the Democratic primary to succeed him.
2003: Appointment to Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2003, Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed JB Pritzker to chair the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
2006: First Illinois governor to have been elected to a second term since Rod Blagojevich
He is the first Illinois governor to have been elected to a second term since 2006, when Rod Blagojevich was reelected.
2006: End of Term as Chair
In 2006, JB Pritzker's term as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission concluded, and Abner J. Mikva succeeded him.
2006: End of term as chair of Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2006, Pritzker's term as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission ended.
2007: Pritzker Donates to the University of South Dakota
In 2007, Pritzker and his wife donated $5 million to the University of South Dakota to build the Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center in honor of his wife's parents.
2008: Co-chair of Hillary Clinton's Campaign
In 2008, JB Pritzker served as the national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and was a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
2009: Opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
In 2009, as chairman, Pritzker led the capital campaign and planning to build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, dedicated to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides.
June 30, 2011: Tax Amnesty Program
On June 30, 2011, people who owed taxes from between this date and July 1, 2018, were able to take advantage of a "tax amnesty" program that allowed them to pay without penalty.
2011: Milton Academy Dedicates the Pritzker Science Center
In 2011, Milton Academy dedicated the Pritzker Science Center, for which Pritzker provided the lead gift.
2013: Pritzker Funds Social Impact Bond for Early Childhood Education
In 2013, Pritzker worked with Goldman Sachs to fund the first-ever social impact bond for early childhood education.
October 22, 2015: Northwestern University School of Law Renamed in Honor of Pritzker's Great-Grandfather
On October 22, 2015, Northwestern University School of Law announced that Pritzker and his wife, M. K. Pritzker, had made a $100-million gift to the school in honor of Pritzker's great-grandfather, Nicholas J. Pritzker, and the school was renamed the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
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
On April 6, 2017, JB Pritzker announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor of Illinois.
August 10, 2017: Announced Running Mate
On August 10, 2017, JB Pritzker announced that Juliana Stratton would be his running mate.
December 2017: Campaign Spending
By December 2017, Pritzker had spent $42 million of his own money on his campaign.
2017: Pritzker Joins Duke University Board of Trustees
In 2017, Pritzker joined the Duke University Board of Trustees.
March 20, 2018: Won Democratic Primary
On March 20, 2018, JB Pritzker won the Democratic primary for governor by a large margin, receiving 45.13% of the vote.
July 1, 2018: Tax Amnesty Program
On July 1, 2018, people who owed taxes from between June 30, 2011, and this date 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, JB Pritzker defeated incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in the general election, receiving 54.53% of the vote.
2018: Elected Governor of Illinois
In 2018, JB Pritzker won the Democratic primary for governor of Illinois. He subsequently defeated Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner in the general election held on November 6, 2018.
2018: Pritzker's Gubernatorial Platform on LGBTQ+ Rights
In 2018, as part of his gubernatorial race, Pritzker stated his administration would address anti-LGBT hate crimes, expand LGBT access to health care, and oppose any anti-LGBT legislation.
January 14, 2019: Inaugurated as Governor
On January 14, 2019, JB Pritzker was inaugurated as the 43rd governor of Illinois, becoming the richest politician in the U.S. with an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion.
January 17, 2019: Pritzker signs bill requiring state certification for gun dealers
On January 17, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed a bill requiring state certification for gun dealers in Illinois. The bill also mandates that gun dealers ensure the physical security of their stores, maintain a detailed list of items for sale, and ensure that employees undergo annual training. This is in addition to the mandatory federal license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
January 22, 2019: Pritzker Expands Reproductive Coverage for State Employees
On January 22, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order giving state employees and women covered under Illinois state health insurance expanded reproductive coverage, including abortion. Planned Parenthood officials praised the move and attended the signing event.
January 23, 2019: Pritzker Commits Illinois to U.S. Climate Alliance
On January 23, 2019, Pritzker committed Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance. The alliance aims to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by over 26% by 2025.
January 24, 2019: Pritzker Expands Access to Welcome Centers for Immigrants and Refugees
On January 24, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order expanding access to Illinois welcome centers for immigrants and refugees. Welcome centers help guide immigrants on a path to citizenship and refugees with access to health care, education, jobs, and legal services.
April 1, 2019: Pritzker creates Illinois's Youth Parole system
On April 1, 2019, Governor Pritzker created Illinois's Youth Parole system, marking a career milestone.
June 5, 2019: Signed Balanced Budget
On June 5, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed a $40-billion balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, which included increased funding for census participation efforts and was financed through tax increases.
June 2019: Signed Reproductive Health Act
In June 2019, JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act, into law, repealing the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 and ensuring reproductive rights.
June 2019: Pritzker Deploys National Guard to Combat Flooding
In June 2019, Pritzker deployed 200 Illinois National Guardsmen to combat flooding across central and southern Illinois. The troops were tasked with sandbagging, protecting levees and keeping evacuation routes open.
June 2019: Pritzker Signs Executive Order on Transgender and Non-Binary Student Inclusion
In June 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order requiring schools across the state to be "affirming and inclusive" of transgender and non-binary students. He also asked the State Board of Education to take a lead on LGBT rights.
June 21, 2019: Pritzker Bans Private Immigration Detention Centers and Limits ICE Cooperation
On June 21, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill banning the operation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois. Another bill forbids state and local police to cooperate with U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants. College students who are undocumented immigrants or identify as transgender may apply for state financial aid for college.
July 2019: Pritzker signs bill to increase transparency in college tuition fees
In July 2019, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 2512, requiring state universities to report what students pay in tuition fees to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This initiative aims to increase transparency in the costs of higher education.
July 2019: Pritzker Signs Bill Increasing Penalties for Texting While Driving
In July 2019, Governor Pritzker signed a bill that increases penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries while texting and driving in Illinois. 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.
July 2019: Pritzker Creates Food Program for the Elderly, Disabled, and Homeless
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 3343, creating a food program for the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless. Such individuals may collect their benefits from a private business that has a contract with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to provide meals with discounts. This is the state implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
August 2019: Pritzker Erased the Drug Conviction of Army Veteran
In August 2019, Pritzker erased the drug conviction of an Army veteran, Miguel Perez Jr., who suffered a brain injury while serving in Afghanistan and was deported to Mexico in 2018. Perez's supporters hope the pardon will help him return to the U.S.
August 2019: Pritzker Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Illinois Counties Due to Flooding
In August 2019, Pritzker officially requested a federal disaster declaration for 32 Illinois counties due to flooding since February 2019. The request came after the state's disaster assessment was concluded.
December 4, 2019: College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force Findings Due
On December 4, 2019, the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force (created by House Bill 1581) was due to report its findings to the General Assembly. The task force was established to identify ways to help students reduce their credit card debts after graduating from higher education institutions in Illinois.
2019: Illinois State Police cadets funded
According to the governor's office, the 2019–20 budget funded two classes of Illinois State Police cadets in 2019.
2019: Illinois Increases Spending on Education
In 2019, the balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, worth $40 billion, authorized increased spending on education in Illinois, including grade schools, community colleges, and state universities. Funding for grade schools rose by nearly $379 million, community colleges by $14 million, and public universities by $53 million. Grants for low-income students received a $50-million increase.
2019: Pritzker Expanded Gambling
In 2019, to help pay for his capital spending bill, Governor Pritzker expanded gambling by allowing more casinos and legalizing sports betting in Illinois. This expansion is projected to bring an additional $350 million in revenue each year.
December 31, 2019: Pardoned for Cannabis Convictions
On December 31, 2019, Pritzker pardoned approximately 11,000 people for low-level cannabis convictions.
January 2020: End of Copay for Juvenile Detainees' Offsite Medical Treatments
In January 2020, the end of practice of collecting a $5 copay for offsite medical and dental treatments from people detained at a juvenile correction facility took effect.
July 2020: Cannabis Sales Revenue
By July 2020, cannabis sales in Illinois had generated over $52 million in tax revenue.
2020: Job training program launched for community colleges
In 2020, Pritzker launched a job training program for community colleges in Illinois, funded based on the percentage of low-income students attending. This initiative aims to provide job training opportunities for students in need.
2020: Recreational Cannabis Legalization Takes Effect in Illinois
In 2020, the legalization of the possession and regulated sale of marijuana for recreational purposes, as signed into law by Pritzker in June 2019, took effect in Illinois.
December 31, 2020: Expungement of Cannabis-Related Arrest Records
On December 31, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced the expungement of approximately 500,000 non-felony cannabis-related arrest records in Illinois. This action aimed to provide relief to individuals affected by previous cannabis-related arrests.
February 22, 2021: Criminal Justice Reform Bill Signed into Law
On February 22, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed a criminal justice reform bill that makes Illinois the first U.S. state to eliminate cash bail. The provision was initially set to take effect in January 2023 but was put on hold for Illinois Supreme Court review. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the elimination of cash bail was constitutional and went into effect in September 2023.
June 2021: Considering Retirement
In June 2021, it was reported that JB Pritzker was considering retiring after one term as governor of Illinois.
March 1, 2022: Task Force on Traffic Stops to Report Data on Racial Disparities
On March 1, 2022, the task force created by House Bill 1613, which collects and analyzes data on traffic stops to address racial disparities, was scheduled to report its findings to the governor and the General Assembly. This task force report is to occur every three years thereafter.
May 5, 2022: Lightfoot Announced Bally's Corporation Selected for Casino Resort
On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot announced that she had selected Bally's Corporation's bid to construct a casino resort near the Chicago River.
2022: Cannabis Sales Revenue
By the end of 2022, cannabis sales in Illinois had generated $445.3 million in tax revenue.
2022: Re-elected as Governor of Illinois
In 2022, Pritzker was re-elected as the governor of Illinois, defeating Darren Bailey.
January 9, 2023: Start of Second Term
On January 9, 2023, JB Pritzker's second term as governor of Illinois began.
2023: Pritzker's Term on Duke University Board of Trustees Expires
In 2023, Pritzker's term on the Duke University Board of Trustees expired.
November 2024: Governors Establish Alliance to Safeguard Democracy
In November 2024, Pritzker and other U.S. state governors established Governors Safeguarding Democracy, an alliance to protect state interests against anticipated changes in the federal government.
2024: Possible VP Candidate
In 2024, Pritzker was mentioned as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign, but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was chosen instead.
January 1, 2025: Illinois Minimum Wage Reaches $15 Per Hour
On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois reached $15 per hour, following Pritzker's enacted plan to incrementally raise it.
2045: Pritzker signed House Bill 2045
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 2045, ending the practice of collecting a $5 copay for offsite medical and dental treatments from people detained at a juvenile correction facility.
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