Pritzker Begins Opening Checkbook for Legislative Candidates
Gov. JB Pritzker has recently sent millions to Democratic legislative campaigns ahead of the November 5 election.
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
Governor JB Pritzker has begun to put his thumb on the scales of legislative races across the state, sending a late cash infusion to House and Senate Democrats up and down the state.
The governor’s political account, JB for Governor, which is solely funded through his vast personal wealth, has given $50,000 each to at least 23 Democratic candidates, ranging from those in the most hotly contested races in the state to those facing token GOP opposition.
Pritzker’s contributions were made to:
Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Downers Grove)
Amy Murri Briel, Democratic candidate in the 76th House District
Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville)
former Rep. LaToya Greenwood
Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine)
Marti Deuter, Democratic candidate in the 45th House District
Jarrett Clem, Democratic candidate in the 104th House District
Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington)
Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights)
Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet)
Senate President Don Harmon
Graciela Guzman, Democratic candidate in the 20th Senate District
Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford)
Jackie Williamson, Democratic candidate in the 47th House District
Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago)
Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia)
Billy Morgan, Democratic candidate in the 79th House District
Maria Peterson, Democratic candidate in the 52nd House District
Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville)
Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago)
House Speaker Chris Welch
Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee)
Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake)
Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (D-Villa Park)
Furthermore, Pritzker put $2,000,000 each into the House and Senate Democratic campaign arms for the final three weeks of the campaign.
“$50,000 is a sign of his support for these candidates, but the money to the caucus committees is the real difference here,” said one former Democratic lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Democrats already have a pretty big [money] advantage, but this really helps us put away some of these close races before Election Day.”
Notably missing from the list, at least so far, is Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), a moderate who is facing the only truly competitive challenge from Republicans this cycle. Joyce has voted against numerous of Pritzker’s top priorities, including his last two budgets.
Though another top Democrat said not to read anything into Joyce’s status with Pritzker.
Pritzker also gave $100,000 to Lake County Democrats, $62,000 to pro-abortion rights Personal PAC, and $20,000 to the Gun Violence Prevention PAC.
All of the contributions have been made since October 1.