If you’re standing in line at a Portillo’s in Chicago or grabbing coffee in a quiet shop down in Carbondale, politics usually isn’t the first thing on your mind. But eventually, the conversation drifts. Someone mentions a new tax, a bridge repair, or a headline about Springfield, and the question pops up: who is the current illinois governor and what exactly is he doing right now?
JB Pritzker. That's the short answer. He’s the 43rd person to hold the job, and honestly, he’s become one of the most polarizing and powerful figures in the state's modern history. He didn't just stumble into the role; he’s a billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune who decided to jump into the messy world of Illinois politics back in 2018. He won, then won again in 2022, and as of early 2026, he is officially eyeing a historic third term.
It’s easy to look at the guy and see just another wealthy politician. But there is a lot more under the hood. From his clashes with insurance companies to his recent pivot on nuclear energy, Pritzker’s second term has been anything but quiet.
The Man Behind the Desk: JB Pritzker Explained
JB Pritzker (full name Jay Robert Pritzker) isn't your average "climbed the ladder" politician. He’s a businessman and lawyer by trade, and yes, his family name is literally on buildings across the globe. He took over from Republican Bruce Rauner during a time when Illinois was basically a fiscal dumpster fire. We’re talking years without a budget and a mountain of unpaid bills that would make any accountant weep.
Since moving into the Governor’s Mansion, Pritzker has leaned hard into a "big spender, big builder" philosophy. You’ve probably seen the orange construction barrels everywhere—that’s often thanks to his "Rebuild Illinois" plan. It's a massive $45 billion capital program. It’s the kind of stuff that’s hard to ignore when your commute finally gets smoother, even if the taxes at the pump to pay for it sting a bit.
📖 Related: Why Fox Has a Problem: The Identity Crisis at the Top of Cable News
What has he actually done lately?
Honestly, the last year has been a whirlwind for the administration. Just this month, in January 2026, Pritzker made waves by signing the "Clean Slate Act." This is a pretty big deal for criminal justice reform. It basically automates the process of sealing records for non-violent offenses. The goal? Helping people get jobs without a mistake from ten years ago haunting them forever.
But it’s not just social stuff. He’s also getting aggressive with big business. He recently went after insurance companies, specifically over homeowner insurance rate hikes. He called a 27% increase "outrageous" and is pushing for more transparency. If you’ve seen your premiums jump lately, you know exactly why he’s picking this fight. It’s good politics, sure, but it’s also a massive pain point for families from Rockford to Cairo.
The Power Shift: Why the Current Illinois Governor is Making Moves
Most people think of Illinois as a strictly "blue" state where nothing ever changes. That’s a mistake. The political landscape is actually shifting, and Pritzker is trying to stay ahead of it. One of the most surprising things he did recently was lifting the moratorium on new large-scale nuclear reactors.
For decades, Illinois said "no" to new nukes. Then, on January 8, 2026, Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. Why the change of heart? He’s trying to balance a "green" agenda with the reality that the lights need to stay on. It’s a pragmatic move that surprised a lot of his base, but it shows he’s thinking about the long-term energy grid, not just the next election cycle.
👉 See also: The CIA Stars on the Wall: What the Memorial Really Represents
The Fiscal Tightrope
Let’s talk money. Illinois has a reputation for being broke. Under Pritzker, the state has actually seen a series of credit rating upgrades—nine of them, to be exact. That sounds boring, but it means the state pays less interest when it borrows money. It’s like finally getting your personal credit score out of the 500s.
However, it’s not all sunshine. Critics—and there are plenty—point out that the state’s budget has grown by billions since 2019. Taxes on gas and gambling have gone up. The Illinois Policy Institute, a frequent critic, often points out that while the state's "bills" are being paid, the tax burden on the average resident has climbed significantly. It’s the classic Illinois trade-off: better services and stability, but you’re going to pay for them at the register.
Who Is the Current Illinois Governor Looking at for 2026?
As of June 2025, Pritzker officially announced he is running for a third term. This is rare. No Illinois governor has tried for a third consecutive term since Jim Thompson back in the 80s.
Why do it? Some think he’s building a resume for a potential White House run down the road. Others think he just wants to finish the "transformation" he started. Whatever the reason, the 2026 race is already heating up. The Republican party in Illinois has been vocal about the "exodus" of residents and businesses leaving for lower-tax states, and that’s likely going to be the main battleground.
✨ Don't miss: Passive Resistance Explained: Why It Is Way More Than Just Standing Still
A Quick Look at the Cabinet
Pritzker doesn't run the show alone. You’ve got Juliana Stratton as the Lieutenant Governor—she’s been a key partner, especially on social equity issues. Then there’s people like David Harris over at the Department of Revenue and Natalie Finnie at Natural Resources. These are the folks actually turning the gears in Springfield while Pritzker is out making the big announcements.
What This Means for You
Whether you love the guy or can't stand the sight of him, the who is the current illinois governor question matters because of how much he impacts your daily life.
- Your Wallet: Between the minimum wage hikes (now hitting $15/hour) and the gas tax adjustments, your take-home pay and your expenses are directly tied to Pritzker's pen.
- Your Energy: The shift back toward nuclear energy means your utility bills might look very different in five years.
- Your Rights: From reproductive health protections to the assault weapons ban, Pritzker has leaned into "national leader" territory on controversial issues.
If you want to keep tabs on what's happening, the best way is to watch the state's legislative sessions in the spring. That’s when the real deals get cut. You can also check the official Illinois.gov newsroom, which is surprisingly active with daily updates on grant awards and new appointments.
Actionable Insights for Illinois Residents:
- Monitor Your Insurance: With the Governor's new focus on insurance transparency, keep an eye on your renewal notices. If you see a massive hike, check if the state’s new "Accountability" measures provide a pathway for an appeal or complaint.
- Check for Records Relief: If you or someone you know has a past non-violent conviction, look into the Clean Slate Act. Automated sealing starts soon, but you might be able to speed up the process through existing legal clinics.
- Stay Informed on Energy: As the state pivots toward more nuclear and renewable sources, keep an eye on CEDA and other energy assistance programs if your rates start to fluctuate during the transition.
The 2026 election will be here before you know it. Between now and then, the current governor is clearly trying to cement a legacy that goes beyond just being "the rich guy" who saved the budget. He's trying to redefine what a "blue" Midwestern state looks like in the late 2020s.