JB Pritzker Has a Message for Americans Facing 'Dread': 'We Will Keep Pushing Forward'
Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) called on Americans to keep fighting for progress despite mounting challenges, saying the country must not allow fear and discouragement to prevail.
Pritzker Urges Americans to Keep Fighting for Progress
On Monday, Pritzker shared a video clip of his remarks on X, emphasizing the country’s ability to overcome adversity and the need to resist fear and discouragement.
"This nation has overcome the odds far too many times for us to let dread win," he wrote in his post.
He added, "We will keep pushing forward. So long as enough of us are willing to fight for it."
In the video, Pritzker said, "This nation has defied the odds enough times that well, I refuse to let dread win out."
He added that the country could continue making progress despite opposition from what he described as "powerful and destructive forces."
"So long as enough of us are willing to fight for it. Again, that’s why I’m here tonight," Pritzker said.
He also praised the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), saying the civil rights organization had "proven time and time again" that it was ready for the fight.
Pritzker Warned of Threats to Democracy
In July, Pritzker warned that American democracy and civil rights were facing challenges, urging Americans to defend voting rights, preserve Black history and continue fighting for equality.
Speaking at an NAACP event in Chicago, he criticized political leaders he said were working to erase Black history, restrict voting rights and deepen divisions.
Pritzker said these actions challenged the principle that "Democracy belongs to all of us" and noted that the nation’s founding ideals initially excluded enslaved people, women and other groups.
Redistricting and Tax Disputes
In August 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) urged Democrats in Illinois and New York to accelerate redistricting efforts as Texas Republicans sought five additional House seats.
Last month, House Speaker Mike Johnson accused 212 Democrats of supporting the "LARGEST TAX HIKE in history" while opposing Republican-backed tax breaks for tips, overtime and Social Security.
He also criticized Democrats over border security, voter ID and other policy issues.
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