On the first day of the Republican’s Midterm Convention, billionaire Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 contender, held a press conference with Texas Democrats, where he argued this week\u2019s events at the convention are serving as a distraction from the kitchen-table problems Americans are enduring.<\/p>\n
![\"America\"](\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/ebec1351-c401-42de-a03d-353ebbed1b4a\/pritzker-ap-jt-260909_1788975790619_hpMain.jpg?w=375 "\\"America\\"")
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a Texas Democratic Party press conference ahead of the Republican National Convention, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Gabriela Passos\/AP Photo<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Donald Trump is hoping that a flashy primetime event will make you forget that well, his trade war is killing costs for families at the grocery store, his war in Iran is killing ranchers and farmers and their way of life,\u201d Pritzker said.<\/p>\n As Democrats work to build a contrast to the Republican agenda throughout the Trump administration, Pritzker highlighted the unprecedented mid-century redistricting fight Texas Democrats endured last year, when many left the state to prevent a vote on new congressional maps in the state.<\/p>\n “In this moment, when America needs a new generation of leaders, fighters willing to stand up against tyranny, Texas Democrats have stepped into the breach. They alerted the nation to these dangers, and Texas Democrats set an example for the rest of America,” he said.<\/p>\n Pritzker, who is running for reelection, punted when asked about his 2028 ambitions, but said, “anybody that is showing up here and bootlicking Donald Trump, and that’s what this is all about, is probably going to be disqualified in 2028.” Pritzker has not ruled out a presidential bid in 2028.<\/p>\n -ABC News’ Juhi Doshi and Lalee Ibssa<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n