LAS VEGAS (WBBM Newsradio) – Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivered a combative and wide-ranging speech to Nevada Democrats on Sunday, warning that American democracy is under threat and urging the party to mobilize ahead of upcoming elections – remarks that come as his national profile continues to rise.
Speaking to a crowd of party activists, Pritzker framed the moment as historically urgent, repeatedly criticizing President Donald Trump and what he called the “MAGA agenda.”
“Donald Trump is trying to drive working families into the ground,” Pritzker said, accusing the former president of cutting SNAP and Medicaid and destabilizing state budgets. “He nuked Nevada’s budget just like he nuked Illinois’ budget and budgets all over the country.”
Pritzker also issued a stark warning about democratic backsliding, invoking one of the most controversial lines of the speech by comparing modern political trends to the rise of Nazi Germany.
“It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours and 40 minutes to dismantle their constitutional republic,” he said. “I do not invoke the specter of Nazi Germany lightly.”
He cited his work with Holocaust survivors in Illinois, saying history shows democracy often collapses gradually. “The root that tears apart your house’s foundation begins as a seed – a seed of distrust and hate and blame,” Pritzker said.
The governor repeatedly praised the late Senate Majority Leader and Nevada native Harry Reid, calling him a model for political toughness and commitment to public service.
“He literally wrote the book on fighting the good fight,” Pritzker said. “Work like hell to gain the advantage. Don’t be afraid to throw a punch or take one when necessary.”
Pritzker urged Democrats to protest what he described as attacks on civil rights, stressing activism must remain peaceful but forceful.
“When the rights of our neighbors and our friends are being taken away, it is our obligation to stand up and fight back by protesting peacefully, but loudly,” he said.
He also focused on elections, warning that Trump and his allies could attempt to undermine the democratic process. “They know they’ll lose the 2026 elections unless they do something to disrupt them,” Pritzker said.