Could J.B. Pritzker Be a Potential Challenger to Joe Biden in 2024?
Recent polls have shown that a majority of Democratic primary voters want someone else to run in 2024 besides Joe Biden. This has led to speculation that Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker may be considering a run for president, despite winning re-election to his current position just a few months ago. Pritzker has declined to comment on whether he would run, but he hasn’t ruled it out either.
The 56-year-old billionaire and heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune has a net worth of $3.6 billion, according to Forbes, which would make him one of the wealthiest presidential candidates in history. His wealth and progressive views could make him a formidable challenger in a Democratic primary that is likely to be crowded with candidates.
While some have questioned Biden’s age and ability to serve, Pritzker has dismissed such concerns, stating that “80 is a lot different today than it was in the ’80s.”
He has also stressed the importance of unity within the Democratic Party, stating that it would be the driving force in preventing a Republican, such as former President Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, from winning the White House.
Pritzker has been praised for his ability to put together a team and put them in the right spot, as well as for his recent policy initiatives, such as expanding paid leave for workers and increasing access to mental health treatment for children.
His chances of winning the White House, should he decide to run, could be strengthened by the support of those within his state, as well as the connections he has established with other prominent members of his party nationwide.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Pritzker stated that he intends “to be impactful in the 2024 elections, helping Democrats run for Congress, helping Democrats run for United States Senate and helping Joe Biden win re-election.” However, he also stressed that this doesn’t mean he will sit back and simply write a check to the DNC.
As the Democratic Party continues to grapple with the question of who will be its nominee in 2024, many eyes are turning towards J.B. Pritzker. While he has not yet announced his candidacy, his wealth, political experience, and progressive views could make him a formidable challenger to Joe Biden or any other Democratic candidate who enters the race.
