A billionaire governor’s next big move

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is no stranger to writing big checks for political battles. But if he decides to run for president in 2028, he won’t be footing the entire bill himself. That’s according to people close to his inner circle, who say he’s already testing the waters with national fundraisers instead of relying solely on his personal fortune. While he hasn’t officially launched a campaign yet, Pritzker is quietly reaching out to experienced political operatives and exploring digital fundraising strategies—a big shift from his past races where he spent millions of his own cash to win elections. Pritzker’s political career has always been bankrolled by his Hyatt hotel inheritance. In his two gubernatorial wins, he poured over $350 million into his campaigns. He also dropped $10 million to boost Illinois Democrat Juliana Stratton’s Senate primary bid earlier this year. But the stakes for a presidential run are much higher. In 2024, Biden and Harris spent over $2 billion in their failed attempt to beat Trump—a figure that shows just how expensive national races have become.Fundraising isn’t just about money—it’s a signal of political strength. Candidates who rely on small donations often prove they can rally grassroots support, a key factor in crowded primary fields. The 2020 Democratic primary had over 20 candidates, and debates included rules for fundraising from regular voters. Pritzker knows this well; he’s been accused before of trying to "buy" elections, a criticism that’s only grown louder in his own party thanks to figures like Bernie Sanders pushing back against billionaire influence in politics. His potential 2028 bid could also stir up competition with another Illinois Democrat, Rahm Emanuel. Both men have deep ties to big donors, meaning they might end up fighting for the same pool of wealthy supporters if they both run. For now, Pritzker’s team isn’t commenting on future plans, insisting he’s focused on winning a third term as governor. "The governor is busy fighting to regain control of Congress this November, " a spokesperson said, pushing aside any talk of 2028 for the moment.