Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who gave refuge to state House Democrats who left Texas to stall a GOP-driven congressional redistricting plan, is headlining the Dallas Democratic Party’s Johnson-Jordan annual fundraising event in Dallas.
The Nov. 10 event will be held at Gilley’s Dallas with ticket packages ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. The event will raise money to power the local party’s 2026 get-out-the vote effort.
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“We are excited to announce Governor Pritzker as this year’s Johnson-Jordan Dinner speaker,” event co-chairpersons Paula Blackmon and Matthew Bell said in a joint statement. “He is a good friend to Texas and is welcomed in our great state.”
Dallas County Democratic Party Chairman Kardal Coleman said the Illinois governor’s resistance to President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has not gone unnoticed in Texas.
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“He’s stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Texans and this dinner allows us to thank him, not just the Dallas County Democratic Party, but the entire state of Texas,” Coleman said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker arrives at a “No Kings” protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Nam Y. Huh / AP
Pritzker, 60, was instrumental in the Texas House Democrats’ strategy to leave the state to prevent Republicans from approving a redistricting plan designed to net the GOP up to five seats in Congress. House Democrats flew to Illinois, where Pritzker provided shelter and political resources.
Texas Democrats maintained a presence in the Prairie State until the quorum break dissipated Aug. 18 and House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, established a quorum. The redistricting bill later passed the Legislature and was signed into law by Abbott.
Pritzker, who has been mentioned as a 2028 presidential contender, has announced he’ll seek a third term as Illinois governor next year.
According to a recent tax return, the billionaire and heir to the Hyatt hotel chain netted $1.4 million last year playing blackjack in Las Vegas. He said last week he’ll donate the winnings to charity.
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Pritzker has been leading the opposition to Trump’s policies. The president has deployed National Guard troops to Chicago and stepped up immigration enforcement there.
Earlier this month, 200 members of the Texas National Guard were sent to Illinois after Abbott authorized 400 Texas soldiers to be deployed to other states.