THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

"I can't tell you what pride it gives me as Governor of the state to see the people of Illinois standing up for one another. We saw the fundamental goodness of the people of Illinois exists in Southern Illinois as it does in Central Illinois as it does in Northern Illinois," Governor JB Pritzker says in the video. "Part of why I'm running for re-election is because I watched the heroes across our state step up and do the right thing. We had so much to accomplish and we were able to do that — together. I'm very proud of all of the people of the state of Illinois and we have so much more we can do together."

"It has been my honor to work alongside Governor JB Pritzker these last few years to move Illinois in the right direction and lift up working families. From increasing the minimum wage, making historic investments in infrastructure and creating jobs, to expanding access to health care and bringing fiscal stability back to state government, we've made real progress for the people of Illinois," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "I don't think any of us could have predicted the challenges the last year brought for all of us, but through it all I'm proud of what a strong leader JB has been in these tough times, and I can't wait to continue our partnership."

The video features Illinoisans from across the state praising Governor JB Pritzker's strong leadership in tough times:

"From the beginning Governor Pritzker was very present and transparent about his process and following facts and following science," says Corey Brooks, a physician assistant and member of the National Guard from Belleville.

"I feel like the Governor was a partner with nurses and doctors and the whole medical community," says Jenica Krushall, a registered nurse from Springfield.

"He's compassionate, he really cares about Illinois, and he's brave. He did a lot of things he probably didn't need to do but he took care of us," says Rose McNaughton from Staunton.

"It doesn't matter whether you're in a big town or a small town, Governor Pritzker guided us with leadership that got us to this point," says Mayor John Bearrows of Rochelle.

"JB totally understood the plight of small businesses," says Emily Paul, small business owner in Staunton. "I really don't think we would have made it without the support of the Governor, in fact I know we wouldn't have."

"He trusted the science. He did what was necessary to keep us safe," says Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson.

"This was a time when we had to get it right, and Governor Pritzker did it for us," says Polly Poskin of Springfield.

Governor JB Pritzker is announcing his re-election on the heels of a successful legislative session in which the Governor signed into law a balanced budget that made responsible investments in the future of Illinois. In the last month alone Illinois has received two credit upgrades, was ranked the top state for infrastructure and jumped 15 spots in America's top states to do business. See more of Governor Pritzker's leadership and accomplishments in his first term as Governor at www.jbpritzker.com .