Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker is preparing to spend as much as $20 million through a new political action committee during the 2026 midterm elections, a move that expands his national political profile as speculation continues to ramp up over a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

Pritzker’s PAC, 'Ready for the Fight', plans to target Republican House candidates in states including Ohio and Texas, according to Politico. The effort comes as Pritzker seeks a third term as Governor of Illinois while seeking to increase his involvement in Democratic campaigns outside his home state.

The PAC is planning advertising against Republican Reps. Max Miller of Ohio and Republican nominee Brandon Herrera of Texas. Both candidates represent districts that generally favor Republicans, but Pritzker’s organization is targeting them as Democrats look for additional opportunities to pick up House seats in November.

Ready for the Fight PAC has described Miller and Herrera as among the “worst of the worst MAGA Republicans.” The group has pointed to allegations of domestic abuse involving Miller’s former wife, which Miller has denied, as well as controversial remarks made by Herrera, who is known online through his persona as the “AK Guy.”

“As the affordability crisis continues, Democrats must think big and take the fight to every corner to support candidates in often-overlooked races,” Pritzker said. “With everything we care about on the line, Democrats cannot retreat to a handful of battleground races.”

Pritzker has become increasingly active on the national political stage as Democrats prepare for the midterms. Politico reported that the new Pritzker-backed super PAC could allow the Governor to develop relationships with major Democratic candidates and, perhaps more importantly, donors from across the country while building political capital ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

The Illinois Governor has also fueled speculation about his national ambitions through his public appearances. During a recent bus tour across Illinois, Pritzker appeared alongside American flags rather than Illinois state flags, while he is also scheduled to travel to Dallas this week to help Democrats counterprogram the Republican midterm convention.

Pritzker is not the only potential Democratic presidential contender building a political organization ahead of 2028. California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have all also established or supported political organizations that could provide them with broader national networks in advance of a national bid for office.

For now, Pritzker remains focused on his reelection campaign in Illinois. At the same time, his planned $20 million midterm investment gives him a much larger role in Democratic congressional politics and provides another indication of a growing national political profile.