Pritzker Warns of "Extremist" GOP Candidates

Governor JB Pritzker poses for photos while campaigning in suburban Des Plaines Monday.

Stumping at a diner in northwest suburban Des Plaines Monday afternoon, Governor JB Pritzker seemed to mention the name “Donald Trump” in every sentence he said the name “Darren Bailey.” But, Pritzker also seemed to acknowledge the fact the race with the conservative southern Illinois Senator is tightening.

“This is gonna be a fight. This is not gonna be easy,” Pritzker said. “You’ve seen the trends all over the United States. There are places where Democrats are fighting for their lives. We’ve gotta fight like hell right here in Illinois.”

Joined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg), Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines), and Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), Pritzker repeated his case that Bailey and former President Donald Trump were one in the same.

“I’m running for re-election because, frankly, everything we care about is under siege,” Pritzker said in a short speech after working the room, shaking hands, and taking multiple pictures. “It is the most challenging year we’ve seen in many years. In part because of Donald Trump and Darren Bailey.”

Citing Bailey’s abortion position and his support for the former president, Pritzker took direct aim at his Republican opponent.

“Darren Bailey is a Trump extremist,” Pritzker said. “We cannot let him anywhere near the governor’s office.”

The billionaire governor cited numerous accomplishments in his first term, including credit upgrades, minimum wage increases, and protecting abortion access.

Pritzker did not take questions after the event.

NewsPatrick Pfingsten