By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – As Gov. JB Pritzker and other Democrats try to figure out what went wrong Election Day, he is trying to reassure Illinoisans who depend on his policies.

“Casting a vote is making a wish for the future,” the governor said in Chicago Thursday, not hiding his surprise nor disappointment at Donald Trump’s victory. “Sometimes you live to see that wish fulfilled, and sometimes you must accept that your vote is a down payment on a house that you may wait a long time to finally live in.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton accompanied Pritzker. “The outcome of the election does not erase the fact that Illinois has already expanded reproductive care, protected LGBTQ+ people, banned assault weapons, protected workers’ rights, and created more access to opportunities,” she said.

“In fact, these results fortify our next steps.”

Stratton said she will continue to fight for a world in which children can get a good education, people can start businesses, and families can afford groceries.

As usual, Pritzker would not discuss his future political plans. He is midway through his second term as governor.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].