Political ambition is not a flaw and is often necessary for quality leadership. But ambition must be matched by results, particularly for executives who seek national office. Governors, more than most elected officials, leave behind measurable records. In the case of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, that track record raises serious questions about his readiness for higher office.

Pritzker took office in 2019, inheriting a state already facing structural fiscal problems, population loss, and long-term economic stagnation. Illinois needed reform, discipline, and renewed confidence. Instead, many of the state’s most troubling trends have accelerated during his tenure. This record reportedly contributed to Kamala Harris’s decision not to select him as a vice-presidential running mate, an omission that speaks volumes for a governor often mentioned as a future national contender.

Pritzker’s wealth and background have shaped his political rise. An heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, he entered office with an estimated net worth of $3.4 billion, which has reportedly grown to roughly $3.9 billion by 2025 -even after spending approximately $223 million of his own money on two gubernatorial campaigns for a position that pays $177,000 per year. Such investment suggests that the governorship may be viewed as a stepping stone rather than a destination.

Economically, Illinois has struggled mightily under his leadership. According to data compiled by Illinois Policy, the state ranks near the bottom nationally in GDP growth, job growth, private-sector employment growth, wage growth, and population change. At the same time, discretionary spending has increased by more than $16 billion since Pritzker took office. Rising expenditures without corresponding economic growth raise serious concern about fiscal sustainability and strategic prioritization.

Population decline has become one of Illinois’ most visible indicators of distress. Nearly 339,000 residents have left the state since 2019, taking with them tax revenue, labor, and long-term investment. While many states have responded to similar challenges by reducing tax burdens, Illinois has oddly moved in the opposite direction. Under Pritzker, the state has enacted 24 tax and fee increases, collectively removing an estimated $5.42 billion from taxpayer wallets. Voters rejected a proposed graduated income tax hike in 2020, despite substantial personal spending by the governor to promote it, suggesting limited public confidence in further revenue expansion absent reform.

Education outcomes have also disappointed greatly. Annual public school spending has increased by roughly $2.5 billion, yet student proficiency in reading and mathematics has declined. Chronic absenteeism has risen sharply, indicating that increased funding alone has not translated into improved academic performance or accountability.

Public safety presents another area of concern. Illinois’ elimination of cash bail, a major element of the governor’s criminal justice agenda, has resulted in tens of thousands of accused individuals being released pending trial, with many failing to appear in court. In Chicago, police staffing has fallen by roughly 1,600 officers, while hundreds of thousands of high-priority 911 calls have reportedly gone unanswered. During periods of acute strain, the governor opposed assistance proposals from President Trump, including the use of National Guard resources.

At the same time, Illinois has committed approximately $2.5 billion in taxpayer funding to provide healthcare, housing, and other benefits to undocumented immigrants. These expenditures have occurred alongside ongoing difficulties faced by veterans seeking timely medical care, seniors struggling with prescription costs, and communities experiencing elevated infant mortality rates, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods. The contrast in budgetary priorities has prompted growing scrutiny.

Illinois’ business climate has further weakened. Major employers—including Boeing, Caterpillar, Citadel, Tyson Foods, Highland Ventures, and John Deere—have relocated operations or headquarters out of the state, taking thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue with them. These departures reflect broader concerns about taxes, regulation, and long-term competitiveness.

Looking ahead, the administration has proposed a $1.5 billion statewide public transit overhaul, largely funded through fuel taxes. As part of the plan, tolls for commercial vehicles are expected to rise significantly. For industries dependent on transportation, such costs inevitably flow through to consumers, raising prices and reducing efficiency across supply chains.

Taken together, these outcomes form a consistent pattern: rising spending, increased taxation, population loss, declining public services, and diminished business confidence. These are not partisan interpretations but measurable results. While ambition for higher office is understandable, national leadership requires demonstrated success at the executive level.

Governor Pritzker’s tenure in Illinois offers more cautionary lessons than qualifications for the presidency.