New Hampshire fundraiser features Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender

CONCORD, N.H. — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is set to headline a major Democratic fundraiser in New Hampshire on Sunday. This comes as the potential 2028 presidential candidate is working on strengthening his national profile and positioning himself as a prominent voice against President Donald Trump.

Throughout this year, Pritzker has delivered numerous impactful speeches criticizing Trump. However, his keynote speech at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner is expected to be the most significant. This annual event holds importance among state Democratic fundraisers due to New Hampshire’s key role in hosting the nation’s first presidential primary.

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According to a statement from his spokesperson, Jordan Abudayyeh, Pritzker will focus on “discussing the rise of authoritarianism and the necessity for Democrats to push back” during his address at the event.

The second-term governor has yet to say whether he will run for that office again in 2026, but the billionaire Hyatt heir has been laying the groundwork for a potential presidential campaign for years.

Pritzker drew national attention in February when he used part of his joint budget and State of the State address to argue for a parallel between Trump’s rhetoric and the rise of Nazi Germany. Since then, the governor has spoken at the Human Right Campaign’s Los Angeles dinner and is scheduled to headline a Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party dinner in June.

Pritzker has carved out a distinct position among Democratic governors viewed as potential 2028 candidates.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has sought common ground with Trump, appearing alongside him multiple times early in his second term. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched a podcast featuring friendly conversations with Trump loyalists, including Steve Bannon.

Pritzker was a keynote speaker at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s 2022 convention, which at the time also fueled speculation he was looking toward a national post. He was elected to his second term as governor that year.

Last year’s featured speaker at the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club dinner was Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who went on to become the vice presidential nominee.

The first 100 Club dinner was held in 1959 to promote the presidential candidacy of John F. Kennedy. In 2020, speakers included 10 Democratic candidates for president.