Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker is drawing new attention for his decision to share details about recent changes in his appearance, and one longtime political observer says it could boost his support.
The two-term Democratic governor, 61, who's seeking re-election in November has joked in the past about his recent weight loss, telling the audience at Washington, D.C.'s Gridiron Club dinner that he put the "gov" in Wegovy. But now, he's confirmed to media outlets that he's lost 80 pounds since doctors put him on GLP-1 weight loss medications two years ago after being diagnosed with diabetes.
"Donald Trump made it a campaign issue by calling him a 'fat slob,'" said longtime political observer and WBBM Newsradio election night analyst Mike Flannery. "You can't avoid talking about this at some point."
The new discussion about Pritzker's health and appearance comes at the same time as he seems to be taking deliberate steps to raise his national profile, including last Sunday's appearance on ABC's "This Week" program, ahead of what's rumored to be a potential run for President in 2028.
"I think it's something he would have to address if he was running for President," Flannery said as he considered Pritzker's rationale for discussing it after two years, "so address it now."
The governor's health has been a topic of discussion for months, including an unspecified urological procedure that required a trip to a Springfield hospital for treatment of complications back in May. It's not clear that procedure was tied in any way to his diabetes diagnosis or his treatment.
As for the impact of his weight-loss admission, Flannery notes that 23 million Americans now take the same medications: "I think a lot of voters and people in general will be able to identify with the governor. I think they'll draw inspiration from Pritzker's story here."
Down 80 pounds in 2 years; GLP-1s, exercise cited
Down 80 pounds in 2 years; GLP-1s, exercise cited
