AUSTIN (WBBM Neswsradio) -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker used the day after a triumphant Election Day for Democrats to roll out a 200-point agenda that he says Congress can use now to improve the lives of people in Illinois, and elsewhere, while continuing to deflect questions about whether he's laying the groundwork for a Presidential run in 2028.
Supporters cheered as the governor entered the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd., in this West side community, followed by soon-to-be-senior U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Sen.-elect Juliana Stratton, who for the last eight years has served as the state's lieutenant governor.
"Americans, including four million Illinoisans, made their voices heard loud and clear," Gov. Pritzker told the audience of supporters during one of his first appearances after winning a nearly-unprecedented third term as Illinois' chief executive, prevailing in a rematch with his 2022 Republican opponent, former state Sen. Darren Bailey. "They want their government back."
To that end, the governor took the wraps off a 200-point agenda that he suggested the new Democratic Congress could use as a road map for setting priorities as they attempt to undue some of the decisions of the Trump Administration, including cuts to federal assistance programs, sharp increases in tariffs and what Gov. Pritzker has called the President's "war of choice" in Iran.
"All of these actions will provide a foundation for the future while immediately improving the lives of millions here in Illinois," said the governor of his "Day One" agenda, which he described as "immediate steps that the new Congress can take to intervene, reverse harmful decisions and restore critical investments."
They include reversing food assistance and Medicaid cuts in President Trump's budget bill, and restoring enhanced subsidies for people buying health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
The governor's performance in the November 3 elections, including what's estimated to be a greater than 20-point margin of victory, and focus on national priorities has sparked new speculation that's he's toying with a potential 2028 run for President.
The governor dismissed suggestions that what he's calling his Day One agenda is a first step toward a run for the White House, saying his suggestions will help the people of this state.
"Everything, and I really mean everything including the agenda that we've put forth today and everything we've done over the past eight years has really been about the people of Illinois," the governor insisted. "If it's good for people in other states, that's great."
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker talks with a supporter during a visit to Peach's Restaurant in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
Geoff Buchholz - WBBM Newsradio
Earlier in the day, the governor greeted diners at Peach's, 4652 S. Martin Luther King Dr. in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, to thank them for their support. He was joined by his running mate, Lt. Gov.-elect Christian Mitchell, who will take over as Illinois' number-two executive after Stratton is sworn in to the U.S. Senate.
A hoarse but happy Gov. Pritzker posed for selfies and accepted handshakes and hugs from people at the South side institution a little more than 12 hours after addressing supporters during his Election Night party at Navy Pier's Aon Grand Ballroom.
"I'm thrilled that we took the Congress, the Senate, and of course here in Illinois we won seats across the board," the governor told reporters during an impromptu question-and-answer session inside the restaurant.
Diner Pat Riley - "like the basketball coach," she offered - said she'd support the governor if he decided to run for President: "I'd work for him!"
That sentiment was shared later in Austin by Sen. Duckworth.
"If he runs for President, I will support him 110%," she said as supporters cheered again.
