JB Prikzker, a prominent Democrat governor viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, is facing renewed political attention after his cousin abruptly stepped down from a major corporate leadership role, citing regret over past ties to convicted child predator Jeffrey Epstein.
On Monday, Thomas J. Pritzker, 75, announced he would retire immediately as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
He also confirmed that he would not seek reelection to the company’s board at its 2026 annual meeting.
In a company statement, Pritzker acknowledged that his past contact with Epstein and the pedophile’s child sex trafficking accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell reflected a serious lapse in judgment.
“My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship,” Pritzker said.
“That is important to me. Good stewardship includes ensuring a proper transition at Hyatt.
“Following discussions with my fellow Board members, I have decided, after serving as Executive Chairman since 2004, and with the company in a strong position, that now is the right time for me to retire from Hyatt.
“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which I deeply regret,” he continued.
“I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.
“I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell, and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims.”
Family Name Returns to Epstein Headlines
Thomas Pritzker, who has been affiliated with Hyatt for 45 years and served as executive chairman since 2004, framed his departure as part of a broader succession plan.
His explicit reference to Epstein, however, places renewed attention on the powerful Pritzker family as national political speculation intensifies.
He is the cousin of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the billionaire widely viewed as a potential Democrat 2028 presidential hopeful.
There is no indication the governor had any involvement in or knowledge of his cousin’s past associations.
However, the resignation again ties the Pritzker name to the Epstein scandal as Democrats quietly evaluate their post-2024 field.
The Epstein case continues to reverberate years after the financier’s 2019 death in federal custody.
Ongoing document releases and renewed media scrutiny have kept attention on business leaders, political figures, and cultural elites connected to Epstein, even in cases where no criminal wrongdoing has been alleged.
Corporate Exit Framed as “Good Stewardship”
Thomas Pritzker described his resignation as part of a reflection on “good stewardship” for Hyatt and his family’s legacy, highlighting the company’s transformation over the past quarter-century, including taking Hyatt public, shifting to an asset-light model, and navigating the pandemic.
He also pointed to philanthropic initiatives, including a science foundation launched with his wife, Margot.
Pritzker said he plans to focus more fully on those efforts and broader family enterprise restructuring.
“As we look forward, that is what we will continue to do,” he wrote.
Hyatt has not yet named a successor for the executive chairman role but said it remains confident in its leadership team and long-term strategy.
Early Political Test for a 2028 Contender
For Gov. Pritzker, the episode arrives as Democrats begin quietly assessing potential presidential candidates for 2028.
Even indirect associations with Epstein remain politically volatile.
Opponents are likely to highlight the powerful family’s toxic Epstein connection as speculation around the governor’s national ambitions grows.
Pritzker has not formally announced a White House campaign.
However, he is frequently cited as a serious contender due to his fundraising capacity, executive experience, growing national profile, and frequent anti-Trump statements.
He has repeatedly said his focus remains on governing Illinois and preparing for his 2026 reelection campaign.
Whether the resignation produces lasting political consequences is unclear.
But the development underscores how the Epstein scandal continues to generate fallout across corporate and political circles years after the crimes first came to light.
READ MORE – Supermodel Naomi Campbell’s Ties to Epstein Exposed, Questions Raised
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