Who Is JB Pritzker? Age, Biography, and Wiki
JB Pritzker, born on January 19, 1965, is a prominent American politician and businessman serving as the Governor of Illinois since 2019. Known for his philanthropic endeavors and business acumen, Pritzker comes from the wealthy Pritzker family, which has a significant stake in the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. As of 2025, he is 60 years old and continues to play a vital role in Illinois politics with policies focusing on education, healthcare, and economic development.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1965 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Palo Alto, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
JB Pritzker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
JB Pritzker stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight fluctuates around 240 pounds (109 kg). Although specific body measurements are not discussed publicly, Pritzker’s focus on health reforms suggests that he is aware of the importance of wellness, both personally and professionally.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
JB Pritzker is married to Mary Pritzker, and the couple has three children together. Mary, a dedicated philanthropist and partner in many of JB's business ventures, has been by his side throughout his political career. Their family remains a crucial part of his identity, and he often emphasizes the importance of family values in his governance.
In 2007, Pritzker and his wife donated $5 million to the University of South Dakota to build the Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center in honor of his wife's parents. In 2011, Milton Academy dedicated the Pritzker Science Center for which Pritzker provided the lead gift.
Pritzker is a trustee and serves on the investment committee of Northwestern University. He is a member of the Board of Governors of Northwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Commercial Club of Chicago. He joined the Duke University Board of Trustees in 2017; his term expires in 2023.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, JB Pritzker's net worth is estimated to be around $3.6 billion, making him one of the wealthiest governors in the United States. His income sources include his family's investments, his political salary as Governor, and various business interests. As Governor of Illinois, he earns an annual salary of approximately $177,412.
Before entering politics, Pritzker was a longtime financial supporter and active member of the Democratic Party. He won the crowded Democratic primary for governor of Illinois in the 2018 gubernatorial election. He defeated Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner in the general election on November 6, and took office on January 14, 2019.
During his governorship, Pritzker has focused on fiscal policy, education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. He has legalized recreational cannabis, expanded abortion access, and managed the COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois. Pritzker was reelected in 2022, defeating Darren Bailey.
As of May 2025, his estimated net worth is $3.7 billion, according to Forbes.
Career, Business, and Investments
Before entering politics, JB Pritzker had a successful career in business and philanthropy. He co-founded the Pritzker Group, a private equity firm, and he has been involved in various civic and philanthropic efforts, notably in education and healthcare reform. Upon taking office in 2019, Pritzker has focused on progressive taxation, labor rights, and expanding health care access, reshaping Illinois’ political landscape.
Jay Robert Pritzker (born January 19, 1965) is an American businessman and politician serving since 2019 as the 43rd governor of Illinois. A member of the wealthy Pritzker family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain, Pritzker has started several venture capital and investment startups, including the Pritzker Group, where he is managing partner.
Social Network
JB Pritzker is active on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. His accounts are used to communicate policies, share personal moments, and engage with constituents. He often highlights Illinois initiatives, promoting tourism and local businesses within the state. By leveraging social media, Pritzker maintains a connection with the public and showcases his commitment to transparency and open governance.
In May 2017, the Chicago Tribune published an 11-minute FBI wiretap of Pritzker and Blagojevich in 2008 discussing campaign contributions and options for Pritzker to be appointed to statewide office. At the time, Pritzker was described as a "businessman with political ambitions".
On the tapes, Blagojevich asked Pritzker if he would like to be appointed state treasurer, to which Pritzker, who has a background in finance, responded, "Yeah, that's the one I would want." Pritzker's general election opponent Governor Bruce Rauner and Pritzker's Democratic primary opponents took issue with his conduct.
Pritzker responded to the allegations: "I've not been accused of any wrongdoing.
I have not done anything wrong." Law enforcement made no allegations of wrongdoing against Pritzker, and he has said: "over decades of my life, I have been doing public service, and the opportunity to continue to do public service as treasurer of the state was something that had been brought up, and so there was a conversation about that." Pritzker
later apologized for a number of controversial and incendiary comments he made in that conversation.
He and Blagojevich discussed filling Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat, with Pritzker saying that appointing then-Secretary of State Jesse White would "cover you on the African-American thing" and that he was the "least offensive" candidate.
After the tape was released, White continued to support Pritzker in his 2018 gubernatorial campaign and accepted his apology, saying he knew "where his heart is" and "I consider him a very good friend".
Education
Pritzker attended Duke University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He then earned a Juris Doctor from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. His strong educational background laid a foundation for his business endeavors and political career, empowering him to address complex issues in governance with informed perspectives.
Pritzker was raised in Atherton, California. He attended Milton Academy, a boarding school in Milton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. In 1993, he earned his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law. He is an attorney and a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.
