Veteran strategist James Carville told Fox News he would bet on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker as a surprise 2028 Democratic contender, citing Pritzker's early fundraising capacity and perceived appeal within Black political networks. Carville dismissed Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez as unlikely general‑election nominees and noted Rahm Emanuel's influence on political debate. He pointed to Pritzker's reported $1.4 million in 2024 gambling winnings and roughly $3 billion net worth as quirks that could resonate with some voters and recalled Pritzker's repeated clashes with Donald Trump.
James Carville Bets On J.B. Pritzker As A Surprise 2028 Democratic Contender
Carville said Pritzker met the two main criteria for being able to win the Democratic nomination. / Daniel Boczarski / Getty Images for Vox Media
Political strategist James Carville told Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo that, among several possible contenders, he would place a long‑shot bet on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker as a potential Democratic nominee for 2028.
Carville's Reasoning
Carville, 81, walked through a short list of names before settling on Pritzker. He dismissed former Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez as likely general‑election nominees, saying, "No Democrat wants anything to do with anybody that had anything to do with 2024." He also suggested that figures such as Rahm Emanuel would still "have an effect on the dialogue," even if they were not front‑running candidates.
Two Key Factors
Carville argued that two factors are particularly important to winning the Democratic nomination: early fundraising strength and the ability to be embraced by the Black political establishment. On fundraising, he named Govs. Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro and J.B. Pritzker as candidates who could raise substantial sums early in a campaign.
On the second factor, Carville said Pritzker had an edge. "If I had to say one guy — I really don't know him, very superficially — but if I were like betting the Kentucky Derby and I saw this 12‑to‑1 horse and I said, 'Yeah, I want to get a price,' I'd take J.B. Pritzker," he said.
"They like him, man. He campaigns hard. I bet you there's not a Black church in South Carolina that J.B.'s not part of the building fund committee," Carville added. "He's worth $3 billion and won a million and a half dollars shooting craps and blackjack in Las Vegas. That makes people like him."
Carville referenced reports that Pritzker won roughly $1.4 million in casino gambling in 2024 and noted the governor's personal wealth as factors that might resonate with some voters — particularly, Carville argued, younger, disaffected Black men who might admire Pritzker's conspicuous spending in casinos.
Pritzker And Trump
Pritzker, 61, has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and the Trump administration's policies, particularly on immigration. The two have traded sharp public barbs. In an October exchange, Trump called for Pritzker's arrest, accusing him of failing to protect ICE agents in Chicago; Pritzker has repeatedly fired back, calling Trump "unhinged" and criticizing his behavior and rhetoric. The rhetoric has at times grown personal, with Trump saying Pritzker "ought to spend more time at the gym," and Pritzker responding in kind.
Bottom Line
Carville's remarks are speculative and reflect his view on political dynamics and electability rather than an announcement of a campaign. He highlighted fundraising capacity and perceived standing within Black political circles as the decisive attributes that could make Pritzker a plausible — if surprising — contender in 2028.
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