(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has questions about how federal law enforcement might act if Chicago plays host to the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
After Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he and others have profound concerns about turning the city’s security over to the Trump administration, Pritzker said it’s a real question.
“Under the FBI’s current leadership, under the Secret Service’s current leadership, will they act as they did in 2024 in coordination with local and state law enforcement to make sure that we have a safe city during a convention like this,” Pritzker said at an event in Chicago on Wednesday
Pritzker said Chicago has been submitted as a possible site for the 2028 and 2032 conventions.
In addition, the Democratic Party of Illinois submitted a proposal for an early 2028 primary election to the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee.
“We are a microcosm of America and the perfect analog to test a potential nominee’s capabilities on the national stage,” DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez said in a statement.
When then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois ran for president in 2008, state lawmakers voted to move the Illinois primary up from March 20 to Feb. 5. Obama won Illinois in a landslide en route to the Democratic Party nomination and the presidency.
Pritzker has frequently been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.
At a press briefing in Chicago on Tuesday, Johnson was asked how involved his office has been with Chicago’s bids for the 2028 and 2032 conventions.
The mayor expressed concerns about the current political climate.
“To turn over the security of our city to the Trump administration, it’s not just me, but there are a number of us that have profound concerns about that,” Johnson said.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said Pritzker and Johnson’s grandstanding and disrespect for law enforcement is outrageous.
“Our brave men and women in blue put their lives on the line so that Illinois Democrats can use their platforms to spread lies and play political games. We continue to have full confidence and faith in our law enforcement officers,” Salvi said in a statement to TCS.
Johnson said he was incredibly proud of the city’s response to the 2024 convention in Chicago.
“It will go down arguably as one of the most dynamic and significant moments in America’s political history,” the mayor said.
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