Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued a stern warning to President-elect Trump following his historic victory, vowing that if anyone tries to “come for my people,” they will have to “come through me.”

“People have often said that I am a happy warrior, and I have always taken seriously my role as a happy warrior on behalf of this state,” Pritzker said at a news conference Thursday. “Even today, when I am struggling with many of the difficulties question this choice poses, my optimism for the future remains the same.”

“To anyone who intends to take away the freedom, opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans: I would remind them that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” he said. “You come for my people, you come through me.”

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker held a press conference Thursday to discuss the fallout from the 2024 presidential election and warned that if anyone tries to “come for my people,” they will have to “come through me.” (Governor JB Pritzker via X)

Pritzker’s words of warning came after he vowed to protect residents from Trump’s “backward” agenda.

“In the years ahead, we will do more than simply guard against a potential reversal to an agenda that threatens to set us back,” he said. “We will continue to advance our own positive, productive and inclusive agenda.”

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“Despite its threats to health care coverage, educational opportunities and a fair minimum wage, Illinois will continue to invest in well-being and prosperity of all our people.”

Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at a press conference hosted by members of the Biden-Harris 2024 National Advisory Board in Des Moines, Iowa. (Rachel Mummey/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Illinois has maintained some of the stronger protection against abortion laws under Pritzker, making the Midwestern state a safe haven for women seeking abortions.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Pritzker’s office for comment.