(NewsNation) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has emerged as a potential candidate to replace President Joe Biden if he withdraws from the race.
Some within the Democratic Party have started questioning whether Biden should be replaced on the ballot before November after his halting debate performance.
There is no evidence Biden is willing to end his campaign, and it would be nearly impossible for Democrats to replace him unless he chooses to step aside.
As speculation grows about potential replacements for Biden on the 2024 ticket, Pritzker’s name continues to surface. With his progressive record, substantial resources and growing national profile, he is an intriguing option for Democrats looking to energize their base and challenge Republican opponents.
Born into one of America’s wealthiest families, Pritzker has leveraged his business acumen and progressive policies to become a rising star in Democratic politics.
Path to governorship
Pritzker’s political career culminated in his 2018 election as governor of Illinois. He defeated incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner, running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and social reform. His substantial personal wealth allowed him to self-fund much of his campaign, giving him a significant advantage in the race.
Political views
As governor, Pritzker has championed progressive causes, including:
- Legalizing recreational marijuana
- Raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour
- Expanding health care access
- Promoting clean energy initiatives
- Heralding access to abortion in Illinois after the overturn of Roe v. Wade
His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic earned him praise from many Illinois residents, further bolstering his political profile.
Political controversies
Pritzker’s tenure hasn’t been without controversy. The most notable scandal involved the removal of toilets from his Chicago mansion to lower property taxes. This move, which saved him an estimated $331,000, was deemed a “scheme to defraud” by a county inspector general report. Pritzker repaid the money and maintained that he followed the rules.
Net worth and business ventures
With an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, Pritzker is one of the wealthiest politicians in America, according to Forbes. Beyond his role as governor, he has:
- Co-founded a successful venture capital firm, Pritzker Group
- Invested in numerous startups and established companies
- Supported various philanthropic causes, particularly in education and child development
Personal life and family legacy
Pritzker’s personal story is deeply intertwined with his family’s powerful legacy:
- He is an heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, founded by his uncle Jay Pritzker
- The Pritzker family is known for its vast business empire and philanthropic efforts
- JB and his wife, MK Pritzker, have two children and are known for their charitable work
The Associated Press contributed to this story.