Pritzker record: Governor signs nearly 400 bills, vetoes just one
The governor does not use his veto authority to advocate for Illinoisans.
The consequences of single-party rule in Illinois are reflected in the fact that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs virtually all the bills sent to his desk.
Pritzker can reject, reduce or recommend changes to legislation, yet he rarely uses that power to advocate for Illinois families and businesses.
During the second regular session of the 104th Illinois General Assembly, nearly 400 bills passed both chambers. More than 90% of those were introduced by Democrats.
Pritzker signed every bill sent to him. The one “item/reduction veto” he issued corrected errors in this year’s fiscal budget. A typo would have allocated more than $500 billion to the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP. The group got $250,000.
Governors in other Democratic-controlled states are more critical of legislation. In 2025, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed 13.4% of bills sent to his desk, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed nearly 18% of bills she received.
Of the 16 states where Democrats controlled the governor’s mansion and both legislative chambers in 2025, Pritzker issued the fifth-fewest vetoes.
In vetoing fewer than 1%, Pritzker not only lags his Democratic counterparts in holding Iawmakers accountable but continues to fail the people of Illinois.
What are the ways Pritzker can object to legislation?
The Illinois Constitution gives the governor several veto powers. A total veto rejects an entire bill. An “amendatory veto” sends it back with recommended changes. For appropriation bills, an “item veto” eliminates specific spending, while a “reduction veto” lowers an amount.
By using veto powers, a governor can identify bad policy, explain its consequences and advocate for the people of Illinois, even when lawmakers refuse to listen.
Pritzker failed to do this in June, when he approved raising the base pay for state lawmakers to $101,450, fourth-highest in the country. Lawmakers advocated for the increase, which was not in Illinoisans’ interest.
Pritzker had the opportunity to stand up for the Illinois families and businesses but instead chose to be complicit in the state’s overspending.
Pritzker rarely challenges lawmakers
Pritzker’s record provides little evidence that he is willing to challenge his political allies. Instead he serves essentially as a rubber stamp for Illinois’ Democratic supermajority.
With one party dominating the legislative process, the focus veers away from wins for the people and toward party wins.
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