Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) warned that the country is facing a critical moment for democracy, urging Americans to defend voting rights, preserve Black history and continue the fight for equality.
Pritzker Calls For Civil Rights Action
On Sunday, Pritzker shared a clip of his speech on X during an NAACP event in Chicago, where he highlighted Illinois’ civil rights history and praised the organization’s efforts to advance equality.
"Democracy belongs to all of us," Pritzker wrote in his post.
He added, "Illinois has a proud history at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and equality alongside the NAACP — but that very promise is now being challenged by extremists."
During his speech, Pritzker criticized some political leaders, saying some officials were attempting to reverse progress on civil rights issues.
"In Washington and across the country, extremists holding high office are working to erase Black history rather than learn from it, to take away voting rights instead of strengthening them, to divide us rather than unite us," he said.
He added, "These are not simply disagreements over policy."
He further said, "These are challenges to the very idea that democracy belongs to all of us. Challenges to the very idea that we are all created equal."
Pritzker said the phrase "We the People" reflects America’s ongoing effort to expand equality, noting that the nation’s founding ideals initially excluded enslaved people, women and other groups.
Democracy belongs to all of us.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) July 20, 2026
Illinois has a proud history at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and equality alongside the NAACP — but that very promise is now being challenged by extremists.
And it’s why we need you to speak out more than ever. pic.twitter.com/nRj0OohKng
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Trump Election Remarks Face Backlash
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif) accused Trump of spreading false remarks that could undermine public confidence in elections, calling his remarks the "ramblings of a mad king."
He said foreign election interference was a legitimate concern but argued Trump was using the issue to create distrust among voters.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned Trump’s repeated claims that elections were "rigged and stolen," asking who allegedly manipulated the 2024 election.
Trump Addresses Economy And Elections
President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address, discussing alleged 2020 election interference while highlighting his administration’s economic gains, job growth, crime reduction and immigration policies.
He also blamed past inflation on the previous administration, though fact checks disputed some of his claims.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Credit: Thomas J. Turney/State Journal-Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
