Pritzker joins potential 2028 contenders at national conference in New York
Pritzker speaks at the National Action Convention
Governor JB Pritzker spoke in New York today as democrats begin positioning for the 2028 presidential race. Terrence Lee is here to break down what he said.
NEW YORK - Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke Thursday at a national conference in New York, joining a group of Democrats seen as possible 2028 presidential candidates while laying out what he says the party should focus on right now.
He spoke at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network conference, a yearly event that brings together national leaders and Black activists. Several Democrats who could run for president are speaking there this week.
Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, left, and JB Pritzker, governor of Illinois, shake hands during the National Action Network (NAN) 35th Anniversary Convention in New York, US, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. A h
The conference is one of the first major stops where potential candidates speak directly to a key group of Democratic voters ahead of the next presidential race.
Pritzker did not say he plans to run for president. He said his focus is on his reelection campaign for Illinois governor in 2026.
2028 candidates take the stage
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also speaking at the event.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak as well.
The lineup puts several possible candidates in the same place as they begin shaping their national message.
What Pritzker focused on
Pritzker centered his remarks on everyday costs, including rent, wages and basic bills.
He said Democrats need to speak more directly about what people are dealing with in their daily lives.
"You don’t win elections talking to the public about democracy," Pritzker said. "You knock on 100 doors and you ask what matters, people say I can’t pay my electric bill, I can’t pay my rent."
How he addressed Trump
Pritzker also spoke about President Donald Trump.
He said Democrats need to respond to Trump but should not build their entire message around him.
What's next:
The conference continues through the weekend with more speeches from national Democratic leaders.
The Source: The information in this story was obtained and reported by FOX Chicago's Terrence Lee.