Pritzker’s third-term bid for Illinois governor would be barred in 37 states

Illinois has no term limits on governors or state lawmakers.

J.B. Pritzker’s run for a third term as governor wouldn’t be allowed in 37 states.

Term limits for governors take different forms in the U.S. Nine have lifetime caps, Virginia prohibits consecutive terms and 27 states allow governors who reach their limits to return only after spending a prescribed period out of office.

Illinois imposes no term limits on governors or state lawmakers, allowing incumbents to accumulate political influence and fundraising power over decades.

If Pritzker beats Republican Darren Bailey in Illinois’ first gubernatorial rematch in 40 years, he will become only the third Illinois governor to be elected more than twice — and the first Democrat. Republican Jim Thompson won four consecutive terms, and Republican Richard Oglesby was elected three times in nonconsecutive stints. Oglesby’s second term was only 10 days, as he resigned to join the U.S. Senate.

Given the state’s history of corruption and uncompetitive elections, stronger guardrails against entrenched power could improve public accountability and prevent public officials from succumbing to special interests.

If Pritzker is reelected, he could be Illinois’ governor until 2031. But his bid for a third term doesn’t seem to be the only race with Pritzker’s attention. He’s building a national profile and says a bid for the White House hasn’t been “ruled out.”

It’s time for him to prioritize the state and its taxpayers.