CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritzker will hold a news conference on Thursday in Chicago, sources told ABC7 Chicago.

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Pritzker is expected to announce a run for a third term as governor, sources said.

Over the past couple of months, there has been a lot of speculation over whether the governor might run for president.

Last month, Pritzker told ABC7 he would make his decision by July in an exclusive interview with ABC7’s Craig Wall.

“I know you’d like me to make an announcement here on your interview, but I must say that, you know, my No. 1 priority is making sure that we’ve steadied the shift for the state of Illinois,” Pritzker previously said.

Pritzker likes his job, and has built a successful record as a progressive governor, dominating Illinois politics since he beat Bruce Rauner in 2019.

Political experts say his decision to seek a third term is a no-brainer.

“He is sufficiently popular; he should have a fairly easy nomination,” DePaul University Political Science Professor Wayne Steger said.

It would likely be an easy nomination, especially if he continues to pump millions of his own money into his campaign and other state and local races.

For two terms, Pritzker has enjoyed Democratic super majorities making it easier to raise the minimum wage, legalize recreational marijuana and pass budgets. But, with federal funds drying up, future budgets will be challenging.

“He is going to have to make a lot more tough choices between now and 2026 that could potentially test him,” Steger said.

SEE MORE | Exclusive 1-on-1 interview: Gov. JB Pritzker to make decision on 3rd term as governor by July

If he wins a third term, Pritzker must govern as he keeps on eye on the White House. While some argue former governors have more time to run for president, a sitting governor does have the bully pulpit.

“He can speak against Republicans with greater strength and greater reach if he’s a sitting governor, to discuss priorities that are important for him and also the Democratic Party,” former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said.

Pritzker has positioned himself as a leading Democratic voice against President Donald Trump.

His tough talk has landed him on popular national talk shows.

Durkin says Pritzker will easily win a third term if his Republican challenger is a “Trump” Republican.

“The Trump White House is really casting a dark shadow upon Independent voters and also the traditional socially moderate, fiscal conservative Republicans,” Durkin said. “The politics of Illinois has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. It was kind of a purple state, now a very very blue state.”

Pritzker’s next campaign will include a new running mate. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is stepping down to run for Senate.

“The biggest issue is if he were to run for president and win, who would be the best position to replace him?” ABC7 Chicago political analyst Laura Washington said. “I think he believes that he is a stronger governor than he’s ever been. He’s got a record to run on. And if he does want to run for president, he’s in a better position to do that from the governor’s office.”

Pritzker is planning several statewide campaign events.

He is the first Illinois governor since the late former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson to seek a third consecutive term.

So far, the only known Republican who announced he is challenging Pritzker is DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.