JB Pritzker Downplays Kingmaker Role After Boosting Juliana Stratton and Margaret Croke

JB Pritzker said on March 19, 2026, that he was not trying to cast himself as Illinois’ political kingmaker after actively backing his lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, in her U.S. Senate primary and supporting Margaret Croke in the state comptroller race.

Pritzker acknowledged helping amplify Stratton’s campaign late in the primary season — appearing at events with her, running ads and directing a super PAC he funded to spend $5 million — but credited her retail campaigning and message for the victory. Stratton had been significantly outspent in the contest, including by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and by industry-aligned groups in the cryptocurrency sector that spent roughly $10 million against her. Pritzker said his financial intervention was intended to counter heavy outside spending and special-interest influence in Illinois contests.

Looking ahead, Pritzker signaled he remains focused on a general-election rematch with Republican nominee Darren Bailey, whose primary victory the governor noted came after Bailey’s earlier statewide run in 2022. Pritzker offered condolences for Bailey’s family losses last year but questioned whether the GOP nominee’s positions have substantively changed, pointing to past controversial remarks Bailey has had to walk back. Stratton will face Republican Don Tracy in the fall general election in heavily Democratic Illinois, and Pritzker said he will continue weighing his political priorities amid ongoing speculation about broader ambitions.