Breaking: Darren Bailey Drops Game-Changing 2024 Bid That Could Shake Up Illinois Politics

Former state Sen. Darren Bailey officially kicked off his 2026 Illinois gubernatorial campaign this week, telling supporters he is “on a mission” to defeat Democratic incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker after losing to him by 13 points in 2022. A new running mate — and a new message • Bailey tapped Cook County Republican Party chair Aaron Del Mar as lieutenant-governor pick, forging a downstate–suburban alliance he says will broaden GOP appeal in Chicagoland. • Announcing the ticket on social media, Bailey wrote, “I’m leaving the farm to fight for you — for your family, your freedom, and the future of Illinois,” underscoring a populist brand that first elevated him during pandemic-era battles over state mandates. Shift toward Chicago suburbs Bailey acknowledges calling Chicago a “hellhole” in 2022 hurt him with urban voters. His 2026 logo now features the city skyline, and early campaign stops included Oak Brook and Bloomington, signaling a pivot to property-tax fatigue and public-safety concerns in the metro area. Core issues driving the bid • Lower taxes and cost-of-living relief: Bailey argues Illinois families “simply can’t afford to live and work here,” a message tied to out-migration statistics and rising utility bills. • Public safety: He opposes the SAFE-T Act and vows to repeal cashless-bail provisions blamed by Republicans for crime spikes. • Education and parental rights: A co-founder of a private Christian school, Bailey calls for expanded school-choice scholarships and a ban on “political ideology in classrooms.” Crowded Republican primary Bailey joins DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, researcher Ted Dabrowski and businessman Joe Severino in the March 17 GOP primary. Fund-raising reports show Bailey entering with the highest statewide name recognition after winning 100 of 102 counties in the 2022 primary. Democratic response Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association welcomed Bailey’s return, calling a rematch “fine by us” as Pritzker seeks a third term amid polling that recently pushed his approval below 50 percent. What’s next The Bailey–Del Mar ticket will barnstorm all 102 counties before the holidays, aiming to lock in grassroots volunteers and small-dollar donors ahead of the December filing deadline. With Illinois one of 13 states lacking gubernatorial term limits, the 2026 election could become a high-spending sequel to 2022 — and a bellwether for national debates on taxes, crime and culture heading into the presidential cycle.