Pritzker looks to take on Trump and win spotlight away from Newsom
by Amie Parnes - 09/09/25 6:00 AM ET
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is about to be put to the test.
As President Trump threatens to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, Pritzker, a possible Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, has a chance to win the hearts of Democrats by standing up to the president and demonstrating an eagerness to fight.
Pritzker has escalated his attacks on Trump, calling the president a “wannabe dictator” and threatening to take the administration to court if they bring troops to his state.
Democrats say it’s a moment for Pritzker to highlight his political gravitas against would-be 2028 competitors like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has garnered media attention for taking on Trump.
“A lot of people will be watching how he handles this moment,” said one Democratic strategist. “It could either position him as the fighter Democrats want, or he could be perceived as Newsom-lite or someone who shouldn’t be thinking about running for president at all.”
Democratic strategist Eddie Vale added that Pritzker “is in a situation right now where doing the right thing to help people is also good politics” while Trump is “trying to start a fire of hatred.”
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5492619-pritzker-trump-national-guard-chicago/
