Southern Illinois News

Blaine Wilhour, a State Representative from Illinois, has urged Governor JB Pritzker to prioritize addressing state issues over engaging in national politics. Wilhour claims that Pritzker's leadership has negatively impacted economic opportunities in the state. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Hey Gov. Pritzker —Illinois doesn't need your protection," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, Illinois State Representative for 110th District. "We need you to get out of the way. Stop obsessing on Donald Trump and your fantasy ambitions and start cleaning up the mess you made. You've crushed opportunity in this state."

Governor Pritzker has been criticized by state Republicans and business groups for his fiscal policies. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, these critics argue that his tax increases and spending priorities have hindered economic growth, led to an exodus of residents, and failed to resolve ongoing budget deficits.

Recent data from the Illinois Policy Institute and state labor statistics indicate that Illinois had a 4.8% unemployment rate as of April 2025. This figure is among the highest in the United States and has shown minimal improvement since Pritzker assumed office in 2019.

During Pritzker’s tenure, Illinois has been ranked 43rd in total payroll job growth and 44th in private sector job growth, according to reports by the Illinois Policy Institute. These rankings place Illinois behind most states in terms of economic expansion.

Wilhour, as noted by Ballotpedia, is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives for District 110 since 2019. He has a background in agriculture and focuses on policies related to fiscal responsibility, business growth, and limited government.