Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Criticizes Chicago Mayoral Candidate Paul Vallas

Paul Vallas, one of two finalists in Chicago’s mayoral race, has often criticized Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D).

Pritzker policies that Vallas took issue with included an election-year tax cut that Vallas saw as an effort to “dumb” votersa reduction in a fiscal credit for low-income private school parents and, above all, the progressive governor’s proposal cautious approach to reopen public schools and lift mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

speaking in a conservative radio show In December 2021, Vallas, the former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, argued that Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot relied on executive orders to implement public health policy because “it gives them the ability to act like dictators.” by circumventing their respective legislatures.

Pritzker has remained neutral in Chicago’s mayoral runoff, which is due to conclude on April 4. In that race, Vallas, a centrist, faces Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, a progressive.

Nonetheless, HuffPost asked Pritzker’s political staff if they had any responses to Vallas’s most striking criticisms of the governor.

Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Natalie Edelstein responded with a statement defending Pritzker’s conduct and taking a subtle jab at Vallas, referring to his affinity for right-wing radio.

“Throughout the pandemic, Governor Pritzker dedicated every day to fighting to save people’s lives and livelihoods,” Edelstein said. “He did it by following the advice of the nation’s top virologists and epidemiologists, many of whom are at world-class hospitals and research institutions in Illinois.”

“Leadership requires making tough decisions and not pandering to the loudest politically driven voices,” he added. “Chicago’s next mayor may be called upon to lead a similar type of emergency, and residents deserve to know if their next mayor will listen to the pundits or, instead, right-wing talk show hosts when making decisions about the lives of people”.

HuffPost sought a response from the Billboards campaign.

“Paul Vallas looks forward to working with state leaders to address all of the issues facing Chicago, from making the city safer to improving education to dealing with crisis situations whenever they arise,” said Vallas campaign spokesperson, Phil Swibinski, in a statement. “As a lifelong Democrat, Paul respects the leadership of Governor Pritzker and voted for him in the past election.”

This story is unfolding. Please come back for an update.