CHICAGO (July 21, 2026) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker contributed almost $40 million to political candidates and committees across the country leading up to the March 17 primary election, while not divulging whether he’ll seek higher office in 2028.

Of the $13.9 million Pritzker gave to other political campaigns, $1.56 million went to state and local races and political action committees in Illinois, while $12.3 million went to over 20 national, Congressional or out-of-state PACs, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. An additional $25.5 million was spent on his own primary campaign, the institute found.

Pritzker’s political spending snapshot:

• The Democratic Party of Illinois received a little over $1 million, nearly 12 times less the amount Pritzker donated to national entities.
• Illinois Future PAC received $10 million, which supported Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s successful Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate.
• Twenty state and local committees received over $1.5 million total.
• U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received $200,000, the largest contribution to a single lawmaker’s political action committee.

“Gov. Pritzker has emerged as a big funder to political campaigns across the country, getting involved in out-of-state politics and making a name for himself in the national arena,” said Lilly Rossi, policy analyst at the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute.“While Illinoisans are dealing with higher taxes, rising costs and continued outmigration, the governor is spending millions to influence elections across the country instead of addressing the challenges facing the people who elected him.”

To read more about Pritzker’s spending, visit illin.is/12M-politics.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.