Illinois Gov. Pritzker aims to oust state Democratic Party chair in test of political muscle
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is making a play to change the leadership of the Illinois Democratic Party in a move that’s rankling some colleagues.
CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker is making a play to change the leadership of the Illinois Democratic Party in a move that’s rankling some colleagues and putting him at odds with another powerful Democrat — Sen. Dick Durbin.
The tug of war is poised to reveal whether Pritzker, who is seeking a second term this fall, has the muscle to influence internal party politics while building a national profile amid speculation over any 2024 ambitions.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, the first African American and the first woman to chair the state Democratic Party, is running to serve a full four-year-term — and she’s doing it with Durbin’s backing.
But Pritzker and state House Speaker Chris Welch are supporting another candidate, state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, citing Kelly’s fundraising constraints. Pritzker has opposed Kelly because her role as a federal officeholder means she has to abide by different rules for fundraising — the bulk of the job as party chair.
Kelly’s dual position as party chair and federal officeholder is rare but not unheard of; Rep. Nikema Williams also holds both posts in Georgia.
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