Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker is putting a partisan agenda ahead of Illinois citizens, telling the Peoria Standard that Pritzker’s remarks suggest he would be a disastrous president.

"Governor JB Pritzker has consistently put his political ambitions ahead of serving the people of Illinois," said Rule. "His recent statement that Republicans “cannot know a moment of peace” reveals a deeply partisan mindset as he eyes a presidential run. Under his leadership, Illinois has suffered from poor governance and economic mismanagement. If this is his track record at the state level, imagine the damage Pritzker could do to the country."

According to The Hill, during the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner on April 27, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called for mass protests and criticized both the Trump administration and fellow Democrats whom he described as ineffective. Pritzker said, "Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now." He also said that Republicans "cannot know a moment of peace" and urged opposition "with every megaphone and microphone that we have." Pritzker added, "We must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box," criticizing GOP members as "quislings and cowards."

Fox News reported that Governor Pritzker visited New Hampshire to headline the state Democratic Party’s largest annual fundraiser, drawing attention as a potential 2028 presidential contender. According to Fox News, Pritzker is known for his strong criticism of President Trump’s actions. He remarked, "We’ve got to be ready for the fight," describing the country’s current situation as a "constitutional crisis." Although Pritzker has not confirmed any future political plans, he is noted as being the first Democrat to visit an early primary state since the 2024 election.

The Illinois Policy Institute highlighted economic challenges faced by Illinois under Governor Pritzker's administration. The state's job creation lags behind most other states with a 5% unemployment rate—the third highest in the U.S., up from 4.6% when Pritzker took office. Illinois ranks 43rd in total job growth and 44th in private-sector job growth. Wage growth has been among the slowest in the nation since December 2018, with average wages at $33.63 per hour placing Illinois 28th nationally. These economic struggles contribute to many prime working-age residents leaving the state due to difficulties finding jobs and sluggish wage increases.

Jim Rule was first elected as Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to their website, Rule focuses on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters.