From State Rep. Marty McLaughlin:
Rep. Martin McLaughlin Responds to Governor Pritzker’s Bid for a Third Term
Barrington, IL – State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R–Lake Barrington) issued the following statement in response to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s announcement that he will seek a third term as Governor of Illinois:
“Last week, while our country made tremendous strides on the world stage—with strong economic wins, renewed global alliances, and a firm stance against extremist regimes—Illinois took a disappointing step backward.
“Rather than turning the page and offering a fresh direction, our billionaire Governor announced he will run for a third term.
“That’s not a move forward for Illinois—it’s a doubling down on the same policies that have driven families and businesses out of our state for years.
“I sat directly behind the Governor in Washington, D.C., when he was questioned by Congress and couldn’t answer a simple question:
How much money is Illinois spending on illegal migrants?
“When someone needs to lean over and whisper an answer into the Governor’s ear because he has no idea where taxpayer dollars are going, he is not qualified to hold the office.
“You cannot spend $15 billion more than when you took office and have no accountability or transparency. It’s wrong—and offensive to every hardworking taxpayer in this state.
“Pritzker has grown the Illinois budget at twice the rate of inflation—almost 40% since taking office.
“As I said on the House floor the night of the budget debate, we don’t need another bloated budget.
“We need to start shrinking it.
“Illinois needs a fiscal Ozempic prescription.
“We need more honesty, more authenticity, and more accountability than what we’ve seen from Governor Pritzker’s administration.
“Illinois deserves leadership that can control spending, improve public education, and reverse the outmigration that has become a troubling trend.
“Governor Pritzker says he wants to serve again. I have to ask—serve whom?
“Under his leadership, we’ve seen record government spending, unchecked bureaucracy, and a growing disconnect from working families.
“Meanwhile, our retirees are being taxed out of their homes.
“Small business owners are still recovering from extended shutdowns.
“Parents who want a voice in their children’s education are dismissed or demonized.
“This administration has expanded government while shrinking opportunity.
“Billions flow to pet projects in Chicago, while suburban and rural communities are left behind.
“Ethics reform under this Governor?
“Nothing but empty press releases.
“The Madigan machine may have lost its leader, but its playbook is alive and well.
“Illinois doesn’t need more of the same.
“We need real fiscal restraint, not budgets propped up by federal bailouts.
“We need local control, school choice, and a government that listens instead of lecturing.
“A third term?
“No thank you. The third time is not the charm, Governor.
“Illinois can’t afford it—literally or figuratively.
“We need a Governor who works with Washington, not one constantly angling for a job there.
“Illinoisans deserve leadership grounded in public service, not personal ambition.”
Representative McLaughlin was elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2022 and 2024.
