The North Carolina Democratic Party is set to host its “Unity Dinner” on Saturday, featuring prominent figures such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. The event aims to showcase the party’s unity and vision for the future.
Critics have pointed to Illinois’ economic policies under Governor Pritzker as a model that some fear could be replicated in North Carolina. Concerns include high property tax rates, with Illinois home to 27 of the nation’s top 50 counties for highest property taxes, and five metro areas ranking among the top ten in the country. Additionally, Illinois has the second-highest gasoline tax in the United States.
Governor Pritzker has also been vocal about his support for sanctuary laws in Illinois, stating at a congressional hearing, “I will stand in the way of Tom Homan.” In a 2017 tweet protesting then-President Trump’s policies on transgender protections, Pritzker urged solidarity by suggesting people use bathrooms designated for another gender.
NCGOP Communications Director Matt Mercer criticized the Democrats’ vision, saying: “JB Pritzker’s Illinois is a vision Democrats have for our state: a wasteland of higher taxes, bloated spending, and sanctuary for illegal immigrants. Democrats do not care about the health, safety, and well-being of North Carolina families and that’s why they will lose up and down the ballot in 2026.”
