Chicago citizens voiced their concerns on Tuesday following speculations that Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is contemplating a presidential run.
The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that the billionaire successor to the Hyatt hotel dynasty is mulling over a bid for the Democratic nomination in the forthcoming presidential election. The sources of this information ranged from former advisors to Barack Obama to local leaders.
The consensus among residents was that Illinois' 43rd governor would indeed vie for the presidency. However, the 60-year-old governor's standing among certain constituents suggests that he may encounter resistance from residents, which could potentially spill over into the national discourse.
Chicago and its surrounding areas have been grappling with a myriad of issues, including crime and homelessness. However, Pritzker's sanctuary policies, coupled with the surge of migrants during the Biden administration, were a central concern among residents. Cata Truss, founder of Chicago Community Roundtable and a resident of the city, expressed her discontent to Fox News Digital, stating, "A sanctuary city governor who provides more support to migrants than poor Illinois residents in need. Do we really want him representing this country?"
Chicago, a sanctuary city, became a destination for thousands of illegal migrants bussed in by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, following a massive influx at the southern border. The financial burden of accommodating noncitizens fell on the local population. A February audit by GOP lawmakers in the state revealed that Illinois taxpayers have spent an astonishing $1.6 billion on healthcare programs for illegal migrants since 2020.
As reported by Fox News Digital, Pritzker has been summoned to testify at a House Oversight Committee hearing on May 15 to address the shortcomings of the sanctuary state.
However, immigration policy was not the only bone of contention residents had with the potential presidential candidate. Patricia "P Rae" Easley, a Chicago resident, told Fox News Digital, "His policies put women and children at risk. He passed a law that states that little girls can get abortions without their parents' consent, which gives abusers more power and made Illinois the abortion capital of the world." Easley also highlighted the state's high taxes and the exodus of people from the state.
Residents also expressed concern that the governor might neglect Illinois' challenges if he concentrates on his presidential campaign. Chicago pastor Corey Brooks told Fox News Digital, "We have so many issues that need to be focused on, so many problems that need to be focused on. The last thing we need is a governor whos running for president." When asked about Pritzker's chances at the White House, Brooks was adamant that there was "no chance to win."
A potential Pritzker run could not only disrupt the Democrats' struggle to identify a presidential candidate but also provide an opportunity for Republicans to gain momentum at the state level. With the recent announcement of U.S. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin's retirement, an open governor role could further stir the political pot. Richard Porter, a former Illinois RNC Committee member and Chicago resident, told Fox News Digital that this could be the Republicans' opportunity to "break through."
Porter added, "Illinois is a center-right state with the most extreme gerrymander in the nation. Republicans have a better shot running for statewide offices because that extreme Democrat gerrymandering isnt in play. Durbin is the first domino to fall. More to come and we will be ready for the break."
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