Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced he would run for a third term.

Pritzker said in a video shared to X that Illinois has become the center of the Democratic Party’s fight against President Donald Trump. He specifically called out Trump’s tariff policies and budget cuts as harmful to his constituents.

“We don’t just talk about problems,” Pritzker said. “In Illinois, we solve them because we know government ought to stand up for working families and be a force for good, not a weapon of revenge.

“I’m not about to stand by and let (Trump) tear down all we’re building in Illinois,” he added. “I’m running for reelection to protect our progress and continue solving the problems we face.”

Illinois governors serve four-year terms. There is no limit on how many terms a governor can serve.

Reacting to the announcement was the Illinois Republican Party, which condemned the governor’s decision.

“JB Pritzker’s first two terms have been nothing short of a total failure,” it wrote. “He’s prioritized illegal immigrants over Illinois families, hiked taxes, and rammed through the largest, most bloated budget in state history.

“He has used and abused the fine people of Illinois, allowing heavy-handed government to meddle in the lives and safety of ordinary Illinoisans,” it added. “One thing is clear — the only way our state will have actual representation and relief is by voting Republican.”

The group also called on news outlets to ask Pritzker whether Illinois residents should “expect you to jet across the country running for president while putting Illinois on the back burner.”

While Pritzker has yet to announce a presidential bid, many speculate he could be among several Democratic leaders eyeing a White House bid in 2028.

Earlier this month, Pritzker was one of three governors from sanctuary states called by House Republicans to defend the immigration policies in the blue states. He appeared with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Pritzker said he would not be afraid if immigration officials tried to arrest him like they have threatened to do to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fellow Democrat. “I will stand in the way of (border czar) Tom Homan going after people who don’t deserve to be frightened in their communities, who don’t deserve to be threatened, terrorized,” Pritzker said.

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