Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is on the wrong side of public opinion, with new polling showing most voters view him unfavorably. They cited high taxes as their top concern. The poll should concern Pritzker as he eyes a third term and a White House run.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is underwater for the first time since the Illinois Policy Institute has been measuring his job approval rating, according to a new institute poll conducted by M3 Strategies.
Of the 752 likely voters polled, 47.2% had a favorable view of Pritzker, 50.2% unfavorable and 3% had no opinion. Pritzker was still viewed favorably, but by a slim margin, in late January.
There’s national speculation Pritzker would run for president in 2028, but his Illinois numbers do not bode well for his appeal on the national stage. The reasons Illinoisans are concerned about him are increasingly obvious.
In the same poll, 60% of voters said high taxes were the most important issue facing the state. Every single Illinoisan now pays $1,237 more in taxes – which translates to nearly $5,000 for a family of four – than before Pritzker became governor.
Despite spending over $350 million on his elections and elevating his profile, Pritzker is facing a favorability deficit. His poor approval rating, combined with voter frustration over high taxes and outmigration, signals his policies are not working in Illinois and would not work nationally.
To see more from the Lincoln Poll, click here.
