Gov. JB Pritzker pours $65M into his campaign fund ahead of November elections

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has added $65 million to his gubernatorial campaign — giving him flexibility to spend on his own campaign and to support other candidates across the country.

The contribution was reported on Aug. 10, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. Pritzker is heavily favored to win a third term in November, facing Republican challenger Darren Bailey, whom he beat in 2022. Prior to that large contribution, Pritzker had about $3.1 million cash on hand ahead of the November election. In the past, the billionaire governor has self-funded his three campaigns to the tune of more than $326 million since 2017.

While speculation is rampant about whether he will run for president in 2028, the Democratic governor cannot transfer funds from his state campaign fund to a federal campaign fund, should he choose to run. He can continue spending millions on ads for his gubernatorial run, send money to a PAC, a state party, county committees and ward committee organizations. He can also use the money to help support a Chicago mayoral candidate, although he has not yet publicly supported any of the declared candidates.

Pritzker helped out his longtime running mate Juliana Stratton in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary by contributing $10 million to the Illinois Future PAC, which allowed it to blast ads to support her and criticize her main opponent, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. He has also given to Democratic Senate and House committees. In March, Pritzker gave $54,300 to former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is running in the open Senate seat in North Carolina. He also gave $44,300.00 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Pritzker's campaign declined to comment on the contribution on Monday night.

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