Metallica and Michelin Chefs: How Pritzker Wooed the DNC
- Illinois governor was ‘relentless’ in luring event to Chicago
- Billionaire comes from family dynasty at elite upper echelons
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The arrival of thousands of people in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this week marks the culmination of years of groundwork by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to elevate the city — and himself — to the national spotlight.
Few people played a more pivotal role in luring the party’s marquee event. Pritzker’s bid team traveled to Washington four times over a year for meetings, where the governor personally lobbied President Joe Biden. And when organizers toured the city, he feted them with a party at his mansion, a dinner from Michelin-starred chefs and access to a private sound check by the rock band Metallica.