Pritzker Pushes Another DNC in Chicago as Bears, Businesses Seek Exit Ramp

By Illinois Review

As Gov. JB Pritzker pushes to make Chicago the long-term home of the Democratic National Convention, one of Illinois’ most iconic sports franchises is actively exploring leaving the state altogether.

Democratic officials arrived in Chicago this week for a three-day site visit as the city competes to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention – and possibly even the 2032 convention – at the United Center.

Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson are aggressively lobbying party leaders to bring Democrats back to Chicago after hosting the 2024 convention.

The visit includes security briefings, tours of the United Center, and meetings with local political leaders as Chicago competes against cities like Boston for the event.

Pritzker is personally leading the effort. The billionaire governor contributed more than $5 million to help secure the 2024 convention and has repeatedly promoted Chicago as the Democratic Party’s political capital.

Democrats continue highlighting the roughly $371 million economic impact generated by the 2024 event.

But while Pritzker focuses on attracting national Democratic elites to Chicago, critics note that Illinois continues losing residents, businesses, and potentially even the Chicago Bears under his leadership.

The Bears have increasingly shifted attention toward Indiana as negotiations continue over a proposed new stadium project. The possibility of losing the Bears has become symbolic of broader frustrations with Illinois’ business climate under Democratic control.

Illinois residents continue facing some of the nation’s highest taxes, rising fuel costs, and growing public safety concerns. Chicago has struggled with violent crime, organized retail theft, and business closures, particularly on the South and West Sides.

Critics argue Democratic leaders appear more focused on political theater and national ambitions than fixing the problems affecting working families.

Major retailers have fled neighborhoods across Chicago in recent years, citing theft and safety concerns. Meanwhile, taxpayers continue footing the bill for expensive government programs and political events.

Pritzker’s push for another DNC convention is also fueling speculation about his own national ambitions. The governor is frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic presidential contender in 2028 and has become one of the party’s most vocal anti-Trump surrogates.

Hosting another convention would once again place Pritzker at the center of the national political spotlight.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, facing growing criticism over crime and city finances ahead of his 2027 reelection campaign, is also eager to claim another major convention victory.

Democrats continue portraying Chicago’s 2024 convention as a major success. But many Illinois residents remember the heavy security footprint, street closures, protests, and taxpayer costs associated with the event.

Republicans argue the contrast is impossible to ignore: Democrats are fighting to keep their political convention in Chicago while one of the city’s most recognizable institutions considers leaving Illinois altogether.

“Pritzker wants Chicago to be the permanent home of the Democratic Party,” one Republican strategist told Illinois Review. “The Bears may be telling the country exactly why businesses and families are leaving instead.”