(The Center Square) – As Gov. J.B. Pritzker targets federal policies while starting his campaign for a third term in Illinois, a Republican challenger says Pritzker’s tax policies are regressive for Illinois.
The governor started his reelection bid with six scheduled stops around the state. He called President Donald Trump a “megalomaniac narcissist” while speaking to a crowd in Chicago Thursday morning.
“Our story doesn’t have a cult telling us what to believe or sycophants telling us what to say or a king telling us what to do,” Pritzker said.
The governor criticized Republicans in Washington and urged his supporters not to abandon the fight.
“If you stood up for diversity, equity and inclusion when it was easy, then you’d better be standing up for it now when it’s hard,” Pritzker said.
The governor said Illinois and its people helped shape the country.
“I don’t really care what the D.C. dinner circuit thinks about my unabashed defense of democracy and courage and kindness. My convictions were forged right here with you, and they stand in service to Illinoisans,” Pritzker said.
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced his campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in February. Mendrick told The Center Square that Pritzker’s policies have gone too far.
“It’s disappointing where we are right now, I think, in Illinois. We’ve been basically taxed back into the Stone Age. I didn’t think it could get any worse till I hear they want to tax mileage on your car and put in a device to track you while they do it,” Mendrick said.
Several Republican state lawmakers released statements this week in opposition to mileage tax proposals proposed by Democratic members of the General Assembly.
Mendrick said Pritzker’s tax policies have been regressive.
“It’s the definition of insanity electing someone like him again. Do you really think it’s going to be different the third term or do you think we’re going to have more of the same taxation, violation of law?” Mendrick asked.
Phil Perez of the Posen Park District Commission and businessman Joe Severino are also seeking the GOP nomination. So far, Pritzker is the only Democrat to announce a 2026 gubernatorial run.
Illinois’ primary is in March 2026. The general election is November 2026.
