Biography

Jay Robert Pritzker (born January 19, 1965) is an American businessman and politician serving since 2019 as the 43rd governor of Illinois. Pritzker, a member of the wealthy Pritzker family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain, has started several venture capital and investment startups, including the Pritzker Group, where he is managing partner. Before entering politics, Pritzker was a longtime financial supporter and active member of the Democratic Party. He became the Democratic nominee for governor of Illinois in the 2018 gubernatorial election after winning a crowded primary election. He defeated Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner in the general election on November 6, 2018, and took office on January 14, 2019. Pritzker was reelected on November 8, 2022. He was mentioned as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris in her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign.