Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, expressed concerns over Governor JB Pritzker's bid for a third term. He said that Pritzker's policies have led to high taxes, rising crime, and strained resources due to sanctuary policies. Rule made these remarks to the Peoria Standard.

"JB Pritzker's bid for a third term as governor is a continuation of the disastrous policies that have hurt Illinois families," said Rule. "Under his leadership, taxes have skyrocketed, burdening working-class residents and driving businesses out of the state. Crime continues to spiral out of control, while illegal migrants flood into Illinois under his sanctuary policies, overwhelming local resources. Illinois deserves better than more of Pritzker's failed leadership and misplaced priorities."

According to The Hill, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced his 2026 reelection campaign on June 26. In a video message, he pledged to safeguard progress in Illinois and counteract former President Trump's initiatives. Pritzker was initially elected in 2018 and secured reelection in 2022. He has been vocal against Republican policies and participated in a migrant-focused hearing on Capitol Hill. Although he currently lacks significant Republican opposition, Pritzker will require a new running mate as Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is pursuing a U.S. Senate seat.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Governor Pritzker signed Illinois' largest-ever budget of $55.1 billion in June 2025. He described it as evidence of Democrats’ fiscal responsibility despite challenging decisions amid uncertain federal funding. The budget entails $400 million in cuts and generates $700 million through new taxes. Republicans criticized the budget for its substantial taxpayer-funded spending growth without offering tax relief. Critics like the Civic Federation argued that the plan bypassed essential structural reforms and was incomplete amid national economic and political instability.

Jim Rule, who resides in Morton, was first elected as Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, Rule is committed to increasing Republican voter turnout, expanding party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters.