Illinois primary push reignites Pritzker 2028 speculation
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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks on stage during Vox Media's Pivot Tour at the Chicago Theatre on Nov. 12, 2025. Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Vox Media
Illinois Democrats want to move the state's 2028 primary earlier — a bid to give Illinois voters more influence in picking the Democratic presidential nominee.
The latest: Illinois Democrats have joined 11 other states in petitioning the Democratic National Committee to move the 2028 primary election earlier.
- The Democratic Party of Illinois submitted its request to the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee.
By the numbers: The other states petitioning the DNC are Delaware, New Hampshire, Iowa, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, New Mexico and Nevada, sources tell Axios.
- The primary election in Illinois is slated for March 21, 2028.
Why it matters: If Illinois secures an earlier slot, it could benefit a presidential candidate with local ties, such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
- Pritzker, who hasn't formally announced a run for the White House, has long been a rumored candidate, based on his battles with President Trump on national issues while also campaigning for Democrats in other states.
Reality check: This move by the state party is the latest hint that the governor is serious about running in 2028.
Flashback: Illinois has done this before. In 2008, the state moved up its primary to help its then junior senator, Barack Obama.
What they're saying: "We are a microcosm of America and the perfect analog to test a potential nominee's capabilities on the national stage," DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez said in a statement.
- Hernandez also pointed to the state's diversity and how it has been impacted by the Trump administration's policies. "Undoubtedly, Illinois voters will take seriously the task to help select a nominee who will work to push far-right extremists out of power," Hernandez added.
Zoom out: For years, the DNC and the Republican National Committee shared primary dates, but that changed after 2020. In 2024, President Biden shuffled the state primary lineup, taking away Iowa and New Hampshire elections and instead giving the first battle to South Carolina.
- Illinois is hoping the DNC will shuffle again.
Friction point: The DNC says it will decide based on the criteria of rigorousness, fairness and efficiency, which could be an issue for the state if Gov. Pritzker decides to run.
The bottom line: This move by Illinois Democrats is the strongest indication yet that Pritzker is in for a 2028 run.
What we're watching: The DNC is still early in the process and there is no timetable for the decision, but they are meeting to go over applications later this month.