As Governor J.B. Pritzker launches his campaign for a third term in Illinois, a Republican challenger claims Pritzker’s tax policies are regressive for the state.
The governor launched his reelection campaign with six scheduled stops across the state. He referred to President Donald Trump as a “megalomaniac narcissist” while speaking to a crowd in Chicago Thursday morning.
“Our story does not have a cult telling us what to believe or sycophants telling us what to say or a king telling us what to do,” Pritzker told the crowd.
The governor criticised Republicans in Washington and urged his supporters to stay in the fight.
“If you stood up for diversity, equity and inclusion when it was easy, then you would better be standing up for it now when it is hard,” according to Pritzker.
The governor stated that Illinois and its people helped shape the country.
“I do not care what the D.C. dinner circuit thinks of my outspoken defence of democracy, courage, and kindness. “My convictions were forged right here with you, and they serve Illinoisans,” Pritzker stated.
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced his candidacy for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in February. Mendrick told The Centre Square that Pritzker’s policies go too far.
“It is disappointing where we are right now, I believe, in Illinois. We have basically been taxed back to the Stone Age. Mendrick said, “I did not think it could get any worse until I heard they wanted to tax your car’s mileage and install a device to track you while they did it.”
Several Republican state legislators issued statements this week opposing mileage tax proposals proposed by Democratic members of the General Assembly.
Mendrick called Pritzker’s tax policies regressive.
“It is insane to vote for someone like him again. Do you really believe it will be different in the third term, or will we see more of the same taxation and violations of the law?” Mendrick asked.
Phil Perez of the Posen Park District Commission and businessman Joe Severino are also vying for the GOP nomination. So far, Pritzker is the only Democrat to announce a run for governor in 2026.
The Illinois primary takes place in March 2026. The general election is set for November 2026.
