Pritzker Sheds 80 Pounds, Fuels 2028 Presidential Speculation

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker revealed Monday that he has lost 80 pounds over the past two years with the assistance of GLP-1 medication. The announcement has reignited speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2028, although Pritzker maintained his focus remains on his current role.

"I've been driven my whole life to lose weight," Pritzker stated in an interview on "CBS Mornings." "The fact that I am now able to do it because this GLP-1 became available is truly, like, I mean, it’s something that has meant a lot to me."

When directly asked about pursuing the Democratic nomination in 2028, the 61-year-old governor told reporter David Begnaud, "I honestly am focused on what’s best for the people of Illinois." He added that he has made no decisions about his future political endeavors and intends to serve as Illinois governor for a while longer, noting he is running for re-election this November.

Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, did not specify the particular GLP-1 drug he is using. This weight loss follows a pattern seen in past presidential candidates who have shed pounds before or during their campaigns. For instance, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie underwent lap-band surgery in early 2013, losing at least 40 pounds prior to his successful re-election and subsequent unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. During the same election cycle, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush also lost a significant amount of weight by following the paleo diet, while Senator Cory Booker drew attention for his adherence to a vegan diet and intermittent fasting during the 2020 presidential campaign.