In April, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker gained attention after suggesting at a Democratic event in New Hampshire that the party needed fewer “political types” and more passionate anti-MAGA figures.
Recently, a group of Texas legislators on the run provided Pritzker with a chance to act on his words.
In a significant statement, Pritzker opposed Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, promising to support Democrats who have fled from Abbott’s partisan antics. Both Abbott and Paxton harbor national ambitions, but Pritzker seems confident he can surpass them.
“We’re going to do everything we can to protect all of them,” he declared during a press conference over the weekend. “We know they’re doing the right thing, we know they’re following the law.”
This move by Pritzker marks the first real test of the political approach he introduced in New Hampshire. He’s trying to gauge its effectiveness.
But let’s be clear: this strategy isn’t purely altruistic. Polls place him quite low among potential 2028 presidential candidates, with only about 2% support. He trails figures like billionaire Mark Cuban and former wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, despite a good reputation in Illinois. Outside the state, few would recognize him. Pritzker seems to crave the media attention that Abbott’s high-profile clashes with Paxton can bring.
He made a smart move here. Democratic voters are increasingly frustrated with Republican strategies designed to protect their vulnerable districts by changing redistricting rules. In response, GOP leaders in Florida and Missouri have hinted at implementing their own mid-cycle adjustments.
So far, Pritzker’s instincts seem to be paying off. Prominent Democrats, including former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Jaime Harrison, have praised him. Many Texas Democrats and progressive voices are echoing this sentiment.
“Every Democratic elected official in the country should take notes,” said Texas Democrat strategist Monique Alcala. “Democrats are craving for fighters, and Gov. Pritzker and Texas House Democrats show how that’s done.”
However, this wave of admiration doesn’t shield him from competition for the 2028 nomination. California Governor Gavin Newsom might feel some frustration here; he has his own plans to engage Abbott and Paxton after a podcast failed to launch earlier this year. Newsom, who has made commitments to adjust California’s congressional map favorably, has sought to craft his image as a consensus figure among Democratic governors. So, why did Pritzker manage to steal the limelight?
Newsom believes Democratic voters are yearning for a return to a more composed, centrist approach reminiscent of the Obama era. He has spent much of 2025 attempting to rebrand himself, but rather than jumping into the fray like Pritzker, he has preferred the path of intellectual leadership.
To his credit, Newsom’s strategy has gained traction among certain elites, yet this may not hold as much weight with a base that perceives the party establishment as lacking aggression. By positioning himself as a fighter in contrast to Newsom’s scholarly approach, Pritzker can create doubt in voters’ minds about his own assertiveness.
Additionally, Pritzker’s financial resources provide immediate assistance to Texas Democrats, unlike Newsom’s long-term strategy. Initially, state Democrats had considered abandoning a costly initiative, but Pritzker’s willingness to fund the effort has reinvigorated their plans.
If Pritzker is aiming to be viewed as the “Can-Do” Democrat, this seems like a solid start.
Though he faces a significant uphill battle to become a serious presidential contender, his proactive defense of Texas Democrats suggests he’s genuinely committed to rising in the ranks.
