Darren Bailey
Recent media appearances
Top articles
Capitol News IllinoisDrinks and interruptions: Pritzker, Bailey meet in only governor debate of election cycleOct 14, 2026
NPR Illinois6 takeaways from the only gubernatorial debate between Gov. Pritzker and Darren BaileyOct 14, 2026
WBEZ6 takeaways from the only gubernatorial debate between Gov. Pritzker and Darren BaileyOct 13, 2026
ABC7 ChicagoGov. JB Pritzker facing off against Darren Bailey once again in Illinois governor raceMar 18, 2026
Overview
Darren Bailey is a downstate Illinois farmer who was the Republican nominee for governor for the second straight election, after losing to Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022. He won the March 17, 2026 primary, and his running mate was Aaron Del Mar. abc7chicago.com
He said in 2026 that he would focus on affordability, property taxes, utility bills, public safety and education rather than hot-button issues. abc7chicago.com
Platform
- Proposes a DOGE-style review and a forensic audit of the state budget.capitolnewsillinois.com
- Says he would repeal the SAFE-T Act and renegotiate it with law enforcement and state's attorneys.nprillinois.org
- Proposes lowering property taxes and the estate tax.capitolnewsillinois.com baileyforillinois.com
- Says he would fully fund schools while giving parents more power to choose their children's schools.baileyforillinois.com