Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) held a press conference Thursday to discuss the aftermath of the election, issuing a warning that if anyone tries to “come for my people,” they will have to “come through me.”
“People have often said that I’m a happy warrior, and I’ve always taken seriously my role as a happy warrior on behalf of this state. Even today, when I’m struggling with many of the difficult questions this election poses, my optimism for the future remains undiminished,” Pritzker said.
“To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans: I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” he continued. “You come for my people, you come through me.”
The governor noted that in his state, he will continue working to protect all people, no matter what a second Trump term looks like.
“Perhaps this time may be different. But if it isn’t, Illinois will remain a place of stability and competent governance,” Pritzker said.
He thanked the election workers and people in his state who voted. The governor also shared a similar sentiment to Vice President Harris in her concession speech, that change may take a bit longer than people had hoped.
“Casting a vote is making a wish for the future. Sometimes you live to see that wish fulfilled, and sometimes you must accept that your vote is a down payment on a house that you may wait a long time to finally live in,” he said.
