PRESS RELEASE from the
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE

CONTACT: Micky Horstman (312) 607-4977

According to the Illinois Policy Institute’s Lincoln Poll a majority of Illinoisans find Illinois is on the “wrong track” and would leave the state if they had the opportunity

CHICAGO (Sept. 28, 2023) – Five years of Gov. J.B. Pritzker hasn’t translated into Illinoisans’ interest in him leading the nation.

The Illinois Policy Institute’s latest Lincoln Poll survey found a 60% majority of Illinois voters polled would not support Pritzker in seeking the Democratic nomination for president. Rumors have circulated the governor would consider running if President Joe Biden stepped down.

These findings mirror the 60% of poll respondents who said Illinois is on the wrong track.

Those most likely to rate Illinois on the wrong track were parents, Southern Illinois residents and residents of counties surrounding Cook County. Pritzker’s approval rating also dropped to its lowest point this year, from 50%-45% favorable/unfavorable in March to 48%-47% favorable/unfavorable in September.

“Illinois residents are clearly concerned about their state. These results also indicate they don’t support Pritzker taking his policies to a national stage,” said Josh Bandoch, head of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. 

Statewide, 53% of Illinoisans said they would leave the state if they had the opportunity, with 43% citing high taxes as the primary reason. Chicago voters were primarily motivated to migrate by crime and public safety issues.  Respondents listed states such as Florida, Iowa, Missouri and Texas as desirable states to move to.

In addition, 82% of respondents said Illinois lawmakers have done too little to curb corruption and more action is necessary.

“State and local lawmakers need to address the many issues plaguing Illinoisans. Without comprehensive reforms, residents will continue to flee," Bandoch said. “This starts with easing the growing tax burden on struggling residents and prioritizing public safety.”

The Lincoln Poll was conducted in conjunction with Echelon Insights, which surveyed 800 registered voters in Illinois between Sept. 20-24, 2023, with a 4.1% margin of error.

Poll toplines are available here.

Poll crosstabs are available here.

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