History of JB Pritzker in Timeline

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JB Pritzker

Jay Robert "JB" Pritzker is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 43rd governor of Illinois since 2019.

3 hours ago : JB Pritzker Wins Big: $1.4 Million Blackjack Fortune in Las Vegas

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reportedly won $1.4 million playing blackjack in Las Vegas. Tax filings revealed the substantial gambling winnings from the previous year, adding to his financial portfolio.

January 19, 1965: JB Pritzker's Birth

On January 19, 1965, Jay Robert "JB" Pritzker was born in Palo Alto, California.

Others born on this day/year

1972: Death of Father

In 1972, JB Pritzker's father, Donald Pritzker, who was the president of Hyatt Hotels, died of a heart attack at age 39.

1975: Repealed Illinois Abortion Law of 1975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.

1982: Death of Mother

In 1982, JB Pritzker's mother, Sue Pritzker, died in an accident at age 49.

1982: Pritzkers on Forbes List

In 1982, the Pritzker family consistently ranked near the top of the Forbes "America's Richest Families" list since its inception.

1990: M.K. Muenster's Father Runs for U.S. Senate

In 1990, Theodore Muenster, M.K. Pritzker's father, unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate.

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: Graduated from Northwestern University School of Law

In 1993, JB Pritzker earned his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law.

1993: Established Campaign Committee

In 1993, Pritzker established a campaign committee.

1993: Pritzker Marries Mary Kathryn "M. K." Muenster

In 1993, Pritzker married Mary Kathryn "M. K." Muenster, whom he had met in Washington, D.C.

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: Campaign Contributions Discussion with Blagojevich

In 2008, JB Pritzker discussed campaign contributions and potential appointments with Rod Blagojevich, as revealed in a 2017 FBI wiretap.

2008: Entrepreneurial Champion Award

In 2008, JB Pritzker received the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneurial Champion Award for his efforts to promote economic development and job creation.

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 Receives Survivors' Legacy Award

In 2013, Pritzker received the Survivors' Legacy Award for his leadership in the creation of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

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.

May 2017: Release of FBI Wiretap

In May 2017, the Chicago Tribune published an FBI wiretap from 2008 of Pritzker and Blagojevich discussing campaign contributions and appointments, leading to controversy and criticism.

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: Property Tax Controversy

During the 2018 campaign, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Pritzker had intentionally caused a mansion he had purchased next door to his home to become uninhabitable by removing its toilets, leading to a property tax reduction. The Cook County inspector general accused Pritzker of a scheme to defraud the county. Pritzker reimbursed the amount of the property tax reduction, and federal authorities opened an investigation.

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.

2018: Addressed FBI Wiretap Allegations

In 2018, during his gubernatorial campaign, JB Pritzker addressed allegations stemming from a 2008 FBI wiretap, defending his conduct and apologizing for controversial comments.

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 2019: Richest Politician in the U.S.

In January 2019, with an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion, JB Pritzker became the richest politician in the U.S.

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.

February 19, 2019: Pritzker Signs Bill Raising Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour

On February 19, 2019, Pritzker signed into law a bill that raises the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, making Illinois the fifth state in the nation and first state in the Midwest to do so. The bill includes a tax credit for small businesses and maintains the ability of restaurant owners to count tips toward pay.

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.

April 7, 2019: Pritzker Adopts 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 Signs Collective Bargaining Freedom Act

On April 12, 2019, Pritzker signed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, which protects the right of employers, employees, and their labor organizations to collectively bargain, ensuring that Illinois complies with the National Labor Relations Act.

May 17, 2019: Pritzker Signs Legislation to Help Workers Exposed to Toxic Substances

On May 17, 2019, Pritzker signed legislation to help workers exposed to toxic substances, providing additional protections and resources.

May 31, 2019: Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

On May 31, 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing and regulating the production, consumption, and sale of adult-use cannabis

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 2019: Illinois Legalizes Recreational Cannabis

In June 2019, Pritzker signed the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act into law, legalizing the possession and regulated sale of marijuana for recreational purposes starting in 2020.

June 2019: Pritzker Signs $45 Billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Bill

In late June 2019, Pritzker signed the bipartisan capital bill named Rebuild Illinois, worth $45 billion to be spent in six years and estimated to create 540,000 jobs. The bill allocates funds for transportation, education, environmental protection, broadband internet, health care, and libraries.

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.

June 25, 2019: Legalized Recreational Cannabis

On June 25, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, legalizing recreational cannabis use, which went into effect on January 1, 2020.

July 1, 2019: Illinois Gas Tax Increase Takes Effect

On July 1, 2019, the gas tax that funds the 2019 infrastructure plan, 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: 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 1, 2020: Cannabis Legalization Effective

On January 1, 2020, the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, signed into law by Governor Pritzker, went into effect, legalizing recreational cannabis use in Illinois.

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.

March 13, 2020: Illinois schools closed due to COVID-19

On March 13, 2020, Governor Pritzker declared that public and private schools in Illinois would be closed from March 17 through March 31 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 16, 2020: Pritzker Limits Crowd Sizes to 50 People

On March 16, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order limiting permitted crowd sizes to 50 people in Illinois due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also declined to postpone the state's March 17 primary elections.

March 20, 2020: Pritzker Issues Stay-at-Home Order for Illinois

On March 20, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order for Illinois, effective the next day, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order required all non-essential businesses to close, while essential businesses such as grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals, and pharmacies remained open. The state government coordinated a public health response, working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens to provide testing sites in Illinois's hardest-hit communities.

March 25, 2020: Illinois Tax Filing Deadline Extended and Emergency Assistance Programs Announced

On March 25, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced the extension of Illinois's tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also announced three new emergency assistance programs that allowed small businesses to access more than $90 million in aid.

April 23, 2020: Pritzker Extended Stay-at-Home Order with Modifications

On April 23, 2020, Governor Pritzker extended the stay-at-home order through May 29 with some modifications. Churches were prohibited from holding meetings with more than 10 people in attendance. Some churches defied Pritzker, held meetings, and filed federal lawsuits.

May 1, 2020: Statewide mask mandate

On May 1, 2020, Pritzker enacted a statewide mask mandate to curb the spread of COVID-19.

May 5, 2020: Pritzker Announces "Restore Illinois" Reopening Plan

On May 5, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced his reopening plan for Illinois, named "Restore Illinois." The plan consisted of five phases and divided the state's 11 existing Emergency Medical Services Regions into four reopening regions, allowing regions to reopen independently of one another.

July 15, 2020: New COVID-19 Mitigation Plan Announced

On July 15, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced a new COVID-19 mitigation plan for Illinois in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19. The metrics included a sustained increase in the 7-day rolling average positivity rate and either a sustained 7-day increase in hospital admissions or a reduction in hospital capacity. Another metric was three consecutive days averaging greater than or equal to 8% positivity rate.

July 2020: Cannabis Sales Revenue

By July 2020, cannabis sales in Illinois had generated over $52 million in tax revenue.

December 4, 2020: Illinois to Receive Initial Doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine

On December 4, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois would receive 109,000 initial doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine.

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.

February 26, 2021: Mass Vaccination Site at United Center Announced

On February 26, 2021, Governor Pritzker, along with other officials, announced that eligible Illinoisans could get vaccinated starting March 10 at a new mass vaccination site at the United Center. The Biden administration collaborated on this initiative.

June 2021: Considering Retirement

In June 2021, it was reported that JB Pritzker was considering retiring after one term as governor of Illinois.

July 29, 2021: Masks Required in State Buildings

On July 29, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced that everyone entering a state building in Illinois was required to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status, in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases.

August 5, 2021: Mask Mandates for Schools, Daycares, and Long-Term Care Facilities

On August 5, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced that face masks must be worn at all times while inside P-12 schools, daycares, and long-term care facilities in Illinois, regardless of vaccination status. He also announced that face masks were required for all P-12 indoor sports, and that all state employees in congregate facilities must be vaccinated by October 4.

August 26, 2021: Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate Reimposed and Vaccine Mandates Announced

On August 26, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced that a statewide indoor mask mandate would be reimposed in Illinois starting on August 30 to handle the surge caused by the Delta variant. He also announced a vaccine mandate for all education employees in P-12 and higher education statewide, as well as for all higher education students and healthcare workers. Anyone who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine by September 5 would have to do weekly COVID testing.

September 19, 2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Imposed for College Students, Educators, and Health Care Workers

On September 19, 2021, Governor Pritzker began imposing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students, educators, and most health care workers in Illinois.

February 28, 2022: COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

On February 28, 2022, Governor Pritzker lifted most of Illinois's COVID-19 restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate. This decision followed the CDC's issuance of new, more relaxed masking guidance.

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.

May 25, 2022: Pritzker Responds to Texas Governor Abbott's Comments on Gun Laws

On May 25, 2022, in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's comments following the Robb Elementary School shooting, Pritzker stated that a majority of guns used in Chicago shootings come from states with lax gun laws. Other officials also criticized Abbott's comments.

July 14, 2022: COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Lifted for College Students

On July 14, 2022, Governor Pritzker announced the lifting of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students in Illinois.

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.

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 in Illinois, which took effect immediately and affected approximately 2.5 million gun owners. The new law was immediately challenged in court.

January 20, 2023: Effingham County Judge Issues Temporary Injunction Against Assault Weapons Ban

On January 20, 2023, an Effingham County judge issued a temporary injunction preventing implementation of Pritzker's assault weapons ban. The Illinois Supreme Court later ruled the law constitutional.

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: Pritzker Launches "JBeers" and Names Malört DNC's "Unofficial Shot"

In 2024, Pritzker launched his own beer brand, "JBeers", ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He also named Malört the DNC's "unofficial shot".

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.

2024: "Pritzker Pals" Launch Website to Influence VP Harris

In 2024, a group of accounts dubbed the "Pritzker Pals," launched a website, coconutbigboy.com, with the goal of influencing Vice President Kamala Harris to pick Pritzker as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

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.

January 2025: Pritzker Addresses Mass Deportation Concerns Under Trump Administration

In January 2025, when asked about potential mass deportations under a second Trump presidency, Pritzker favored deporting convicted criminals who are undocumented, while criticizing the targeting of law-abiding residents.

February 7, 2025: Pritzker Posts Satirical Video Announcing Illinois's Annexation of Green Bay

On February 7, 2025, Pritzker posted a satirical video to his personal twitter account announcing Illinois's annexation of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the renaming of Lake Michigan to "Lake Illinois".

August 2025: Pritzker's Estimated Net Worth

According to Forbes, as of August 2025, Pritzker's estimated net worth is $3.9 billion.

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.