Governor JB Pritzker: Leading the Way for Democracy and Our Children’s Future
Think Big, America
Just days into Trump’s second term, and this country is already in a constitutional crisis. Okay, multiple constitutional crises. Democratic governors and lawmakers across the country must make a choice between letting MAGA extremism and lawlessness take hold or fighting back. Even when fighting back means throwing the old overused playbook out the window and taking bold action. Governor JB Pritzker is doing what every Democratic governor and legislator in America should be doing—standing as a shield between Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda and the people he serves in Illinois. Our democracy is under siege, and Governor Pritzker is proving that leadership requires more than just making statements and holding press conferences. Leadership means acting with courage and an unwavering commitment to protecting everyone you were elected to represent.
While many elected Democrats seem to be going about business as usual, hesitating, hedging, and only talking a big game (at least so far), Governor Pritzker is standing firm. He isn’t just pushing back against Trump’s extremist rhetoric. He isn’t just reactively fighting this dangerous agenda. He’s taking the fight to Donald Trump. He’s proactively ensuring that Illinois remains a safe haven for democracy, equality, and progress. Whether it’s protecting voting rights, defending reproductive freedoms, or investing in working families, his leadership is a blueprint for what every Democratic governor should be doing at this critical inflection point for our country. And this is good news for the children of Illinois.
His fight isn’t just against the forces threatening our democracy—it’s for the future of America’s children. Pritzker has cemented his legacy as the best governor in America for kids by becoming the first to sign a book banning prohibition bill, ensuring that every child in Illinois has the right to read, learn, and grow without government censorship. At a time when extremist politicians across the country are working to erase history, particularly Black History, and silence diverse voices, Governor Pritzker has taken his stand and has not wavered. He made it clear that Illinois will not be a place where lawlessness and ignorance wins.
His leadership has transformed Illinois into a national model for childhood education and well-being. Governor Pritzker has made historic investments in early childhood and public education, committed to feeding all students, made college more affordable, and committed to an inclusive and accurate education for all kids by not erasing history.
Most recently, Governor Pritzker said, “No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government.” As President Trump has pardoned all those convicted for the attempted coup on January 6th, even those convicted of committing violent crimes against police officers, Governor Pritzker has prohibited them from working in state jobs in Illinois. These violent offenders will not be offered a clean slate in his state. Not on his watch.
While Trump and his allies continue to attack our fragile democracy, Governor Pritzker has been outspoken in defending voting rights, reproductive rights, and the freedom to learn. He has made it clear that Illinois will not comply with any federal overreach that seeks to strip away fundamental freedoms.
At a time when a “billionaire” like Trump uses his position of power and wealth for personal gain, Governor Pritzker is proving that power and money can also be tools for good. Unlike Trump—who was given everything he has, bankrupted multiple companies, and left workers stranded—Governor Pritzker is a self-made billionaire who understands how to run government responsibly. His fiscal management has led his state to record-breaking economic stability, including balancing the budget in Illinois.
“Take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing: stupidity.” Governor JB Pritzker
We need good-guy-billionaires to own their wealth and power to fight back against the bad-guy-billionaires. Governor Pritzker is leading the way and showing others how it’s done.
His leadership is a reminder that governors have the power to shape the future—not just for their own states, but for the nation. While others fail to meet the moment or bow to political pressure, Pritzker leads with conviction. He is showing America what it means to fight for democracy, truth, and the next generation. And in doing so, he’s setting the standard for every Democrat in this country.
As Trump tries to drag America backwards, the Democratic party and country desperately need a leader who can propel us forward. Based on what I have seen, who better to do that than JB Pritzker? He has the business acumen Trump purports to have, the progressive vision Democrats need, a track record of fighting for America’s children, and the backbone to take on authoritarianism.
Imagine a president who doesn’t just talk about protecting democracy but actually does it. Imagine a president who believes in investing in children, not gutting their futures. Imagine a president who knows how to run a government efficiently, not recklessly.
America needs leadership that is bold, principled, and effective. JB Pritzker has demonstrated these qualities. Whether in Illinois or the White House, he is the kind of leader this historical inflection point demands.