In the wake of Donald Trump’s election win, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton address concerns, vowing to protect state values and marginalized communities (Photo Credit: @LtGovStratton/X).
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton stepped forward to ease concerns after Donald J. Trump’s election win, reassuring Illinoisans that the state stands firm in its values and support.
“Today, I stand with the millions of Americans who voted for our Democratic values in this election. It is clear now that, nationally, a majority of those who came to the polls chose a different path, and President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance won the election,” said Gov. Pritzker.
Lt. Gov. Stratton expressed her gratitude for Vice President Kamala Harris and shared her pride in supporting Harris’s campaign across Illinois and other battleground states.
“I am immensely proud of the campaign Vice President Kamala Harris launched only a few months ago for President of the United States. She is a highly qualified and dedicated public servant, and it was my honor to campaign for her throughout Illinois and in battleground states, sharing her vision of a joyful, brighter future for America.
Both leaders also addressed the deep sense of unease felt by many Illinoisans. Gov. Pritzker pledged Illinois’s steadfast support for marginalized groups impacted by the Trump campaign’s rhetoric, reinforcing that the state would remain a welcoming place for all.
“To women whose healthcare is under even greater threat, to our Black, Brown and AAPI communities, our LGBTQ friends and their families, immigrants and first-generation Americans, our most vulnerable Americans and those with disabilities, to all who have been made to feel unsafe and unwelcome by the Trump campaign and its allies — know that Illinois is your ally. You will always be welcome here,” said Gov. Pritzker.
Lt. Gov. Stratton spoke to those grappling with disappointment, encouraging them to let their pain fuel future efforts to build a more inclusive America.
“To every Illinoisan who is mourning the outcome of this election, do not try to wash away your pain; let it transform into the motivation we need to realize an America that does not idolize hate but uplifts its people,” said Lt. Gov. Stratton.
“Today, we mourn; tomorrow, we show up again. Because as Madam Vice President said, ‘The fight for our country is always worth it.'”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has released the following statement on the results of the 2024 Presidential election:
“Today, I stand with the millions of Americans who voted for our Democratic values in this election. It is clear now that, nationally, a majority of those who came to the polls chose a different path, and President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance won the election. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, their team, and the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who put their heart and soul into the campaign.
“This morning, our most vulnerable communities woke up to new uncertainty about their future, scared that their rights will no longer be protected, and unsure whether this nation still stands with them. To women whose healthcare is under even greater threat, to our Black, Brown and AAPI communities, our LGBTQ friends and their families, immigrants and first-generation Americans, our most vulnerable Americans and those with disabilities, to all who have been made to feel unsafe and unwelcome by the Trump campaign and its allies – know that Illinois is your ally. You will always be welcome here.
“In 2017, I sought public office in large part because of the threat Donald Trump and his allies posed to Illinois, and as governor, I have helped enshrine into state law protections that uphold our common Illinois values. That work will continue, and it remains my north star. I will always strive to do what is best for the people of Illinois. When that means working with the next presidential administration that is what I will do, and when that means standing up to it, I believe my record is clear on where I’ll be.”
Statement by Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton following Vice President Kamala Harris’s Concession Speech:
“I am immensely proud of the campaign Vice President Kamala Harris launched only a few months ago for President of the United States. She is a highly qualified and dedicated public servant, and it was my honor to campaign for her throughout Illinois and in battleground states, sharing her vision of a joyful, brighter future for America.
“Needless to say, I am not only grieving the outcome, but my heart also aches for so many of our constituents who are terrified about what the future holds for them. The fear and heartbreak now washing over our country are signs that our souls are still alive. I’m especially energized by the hard work done by the Democratic Party of Illinois in engaging volunteers and activating voters. This is what democracy looks like and it is a testament to the infrastructure we are building in our state to continue the good work of preserving our freedoms, uplifting working families, and protecting the values we hold so dear.
“To every Illinoisan who is mourning the outcome of this election, do not try to wash away your pain; let it transform into the motivation we need to realize an America that does not idolize hate but uplifts its people. Today we mourn; tomorrow, we show up again. Because as Madam Vice President said, “The fight for our country is always worth it.”
