(The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman says he’ll consider voters’ voices statewide before deciding whether to potentially challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who’s facing growing scrutiny after testifying before the U.S. House Oversight Committee.
Pritzker has not officially announced he’s seeking a third term for the 2026 gubernatorial election, but Illinois U.S. Rep Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, didn’t rule out running against him for governor.
“I love my job. I’m doing the work that I was elected to do. I’m going to continue to do that,” said LaHood. “That doesn’t mean I don’t look for other opportunities, but I’m going to listen to my voters and people throughout the state of Illinois and make a decision accordingly.”
LaHood was asked if Pritzker sanctioning El Salvador and signing foreign trade deals with Mexico and the United Kingdom was atypical.
“Under our Constitution, trade and international commerce is done at the federal level. And that’s what the Trump administration is doing. So I frankly don’t think anybody in Illinois is paying attention to anything [Pritzker is] doing there,” said LaHood.
Illinois’ shift from FDA to WHO standards for certain medications with legislation pending Pritzker’s approval was called “probably illegal” by state Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, and Lahood has criticized the $530 million in tax credits for EV battery maker Gotion over its ties to slave labor.
LaHood was asked if Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s foreign relationships were of concern.
“This is him trying to play presidential politics. He’s under the illusion that he can somehow become president and wants to play at a national stage,” said LaHood.
LaHood said he asked Pritzker about tragic incidents that have occurred with the murders of a number of Illinois residents at the hands of illegal immigrants under his policies.
“When I asked him whether he had any regrets or would think differently about his policies, he wouldn’t even respond. He started talking about Medicaid. I think that said everything,” said LaHood.
