When Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the conversation quickly shifted from light banter to deeply personal reflections about why he chose a political life—despite having the financial freedom to never work another day in his life.

Colbert opened with a playful jab: “You’re a billionaire… not a very popular thing to be right now.” Pritzker smiled, unfazed. “I’m okay with it,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. But when Colbert pressed him on why someone in his position would willingly take on the often thankless job of a politician, Pritzker’s answer revealed the personal mission driving his public service.

“I lost my father and my mother when I was young,” he said. “My mother was my hero—an activist and advocate for reproductive rights long before it was common. She took me to rallies and marches, and I absorbed her enthusiasm. When you lose a parent young, you spend your life hoping to honor them—sometimes even fulfilling dreams they didn’t get to complete.”

For Pritzker, that has meant standing up for people’s rights, making life more affordable, raising the minimum wage, and pushing back against political figures he feels threaten those values. “That’s something my mother would be out doing right now,” he added.

Colbert observed that adopting his parents’ values was also a way to stay connected to them. Pritzker agreed, saying those principles are “infused” in him and guide his work as governor.

The conversation turned light again when Colbert noted Pritzker is on track to become the first Democratic governor in Illinois history to finish two full terms—a state where political careers often end in scandal. Pritzker joked about Illinois’ infamous history of governors serving prison time. “It’s extraordinary to stay out of prison,” he laughed, recalling telling his son there was a “40% chance” he’d end up behind bars after leaving office—a comment that didn’t exactly reassure his family.

When asked what he wishes more people knew about Illinois, Pritzker proudly highlighted the state’s history of producing two of America’s most celebrated presidents—Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama—while also praising the decency and kindness of Illinois’ residents. “Kindness is an active value people don’t give enough credit to,” he said. He encouraged everyone to experience the beauty of Illinois firsthand, from Chicago summers to the state’s rich agricultural heartland.

The interview ended with Colbert sending his best to “the Land of Lincoln” and thanking the governor for his time. Pritzker’s appearance blended humor, heartfelt memories, and a clear reminder that for him, politics is not just a career—it’s a tribute to the values and legacy of the parents who inspired him.