Governor JB Pritzker | American Conversations

Interview Summary

Heather Cox Richardson interviewed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker after an election night they both described as a major Democratic victory. Richardson cited shifts in media, higher turnout among young and Hispanic voters, and stronger organizing as possible factors behind the results. Pritzker said the gains would matter only if elected Democrats delivered tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Priorities for Congress

Pritzker outlined a 75-page agenda of roughly 200 items that he had sent to the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress. He urged lawmakers to:

• Raise the federal minimum wage and establish universal paid leave.
• Restore grants for local emergency services.
• Address the effects of recent cuts to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act subsidies, and SNAP.

He said Democrats should advance measures even if President Donald Trump vetoes them, while looking for areas where compromise might be possible. He also urged them to stand firm in upcoming budget negotiations.

Accountability

Pritzker advocated allowing people to bring civil actions against ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers accused of crimes, preserving evidence, and creating mechanisms to investigate the administration. He also called for congressional hearings into alleged corruption and financial conflicts, including stock trading by Trump and his associates.

Illinois Election Results and Affordability

Pritzker said Illinois Democrats had strong statewide results, including his reelection, victories in races for the state’s constitutional offices, and additional legislative seats.

He attributed some of that support to an affordability-focused agenda, including state tax credits for families, eliminating the state grocery tax, efforts to lower electricity costs, expanded use of tax-free farm diesel, and closing corporate tax loopholes. He described Illinois’ flat income-tax system as regressive and said he had tried to change it.

Looking Ahead

Pritzker argued that Democrats should pursue bold changes, including universal health care, rather than settle for incremental reforms. He recalled working for former North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford, who integrated the state’s schools despite political opposition, as an example of choosing what is right over what is popular.

Presenters and Contributors

• Heather Cox Richardson: Host and interviewer
• JB Pritzker: Illinois governor and guest