Gov. J.B. Pritzker vows to protect Illinois if Donald Trump’s presidency threatens state’s capabilities

CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker is vowing to protect Illinois if Donald Trump’s presidency threatens opportunities for people in the state.

It comes as Democrats across the city are trying to make sense of the presidential election.

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Democrats are beginning the process of analyzing the election as they try to understand President-elect Trump’s resounding victory.

“I don’t know, and I think it would be premature for all of us to draw conclusions today. You need to look at the data before you can draw a full conclusion. And yet you turn on the TV and everyone is drooling, do you know what happened?” Pritzker said.

In the 41st District, on the city’s northwest side where many city workers and police officers live, voters painted the precinct red. It is the only one in the city that Trump won. Election results show he received 54% of the vote there.

One business owner said it was actually problem-based.

“Trump has been more willing to talk about issues, issues that affect the middle class, which you know includes this area,” said John Capesius, owner of Tavern on the Point.

“Food, gas prices are the main issues everyone is talking about on the northwest side of Chicago,” 41st Ward Ald. Anthony Napolitano said.

SEE MORE: Illinois Republican Party Celebrates President-Elect Trump’s Victory; Dems promise to continue working, others are just worried

But Trump also won more than 45% of the vote in four other districts, including the 13th.

“I come back to the fact that all politics is local, and I think that’s a reflection of the migration crisis and migrants showing up on the doorstep of the 8th District Police Department,” 13th District Ald. Marty Quinn said.

Kamala Harris’ defeat has disappointed many women.

“It was not a surprise to me. Although it’s very disappointing to see that most of the country still has such internalized bias, both men and women, isn’t it? Against seeing a woman in leadership,” 49th District Ald. – said Maria Hadden.

Democrats will spend the coming weeks and months soul-searching and analyzing the election and then figuring out how to deal with the incoming Trump administration.

The governor is willing to work with or oppose Trump.

“To anyone who intends to come and take away the freedom, opportunity and dignity of the people of Illinois, I would like to remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior. You come for my people, you come through me,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker dismissed rumors of any presidential ambitions, saying he enjoys the job he now does as governor.