Bailey faces uphill battle in Illinois governor’s race against Pritzker |
Bailey faces uphill battle in Illinois governor’s race against Pritzker
ATLANTA – Republican nominee for Illinois governor Darren Bailey is vulnerable as he enters the race for a second time.
Bailey has once again secured the GOP nomination and will face Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in November in a rematch. Pritzker won in 2022 by 12 points.
Illinois voters have consistently favored Democrats in recent statewide elections, presenting a significant challenge for Bailey as he attempts to unseat a well-funded incumbent. Republicans have not won a governor’s race in the state since Bruce Rauner was elected in2014, a reality Bailey acknowledged in an interview with “Raising America.”
“Almost all, if not simply 80 percent of all Illinoisans, are angry because they can’t afford to live here. We know that 80 percent-plus of all Illinoisans don’t feel safe, and they want a government that protects them,” Bailey said.
His campaign is deeply rooted in personal tragedy and family inspiration, which he says makes this run especially meaningful. His late son and his family remain among his biggest motivators.
On Oct. 22, Bailey’s son, Zach, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and two of their children, Vada Rose and Samuel, were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Montana. A third child, 10-year-old Finn, was not in the helicopter and survived. He now lives with Bailey. The crash left the family paralyzed. Bailey said for months his life was completely paused,........