Darren Bailey, a Republican from Xenia, Illinois, is running for governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, and independent candidate Collin Corbett.
Bailey won the March 2026 Republican primary with Cook County Chairman Aaron del Mar as his running mate, according to his Wikipedia page. He was also the 2022 Republican nominee for governor.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Hometown: Xenia, Illinois (born March 17, 1966, in Louisville, Illinois)
- Family: Married to Cindy Stortzum. Four children and multiple grandchildren.
- Education: High school diploma, North Clay High School; associate's degree in agricultural production, Lake Land College (1986)
- Occupation: Bailey says he is a third-generation farmer who operates Bailey Family Farm with his sons. He and his wife also run a private Christian school.
Experience and public service
- Board member, North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education (starting 2000); served as board president
- State representative, Illinois House District 109 (2019–2021)
- State senator, Illinois Senate District 55 (2021–2023); served as minority spokesperson on the Agriculture Committee
- Republican nominee for governor of Illinois (2022)
- Candidate, U.S. House District 12 Republican primary (2024)
- Owner, Bailey Family Farm (current)
On the issues
Bailey outlined these positions on his campaign issues page and in BallotReady questionnaire responses. They reflect the candidate's own statements.
Taxes and property taxes
Bailey says he would fight to lower income and property taxes and cut wasteful government spending. He has called for a legislative property tax task force to develop reduction proposals. On his campaign website, Bailey said families are being taxed out of their homes while politicians in Springfield keep raising spending and passing the bill to taxpayers.
Education
Bailey says every child deserves access to high-quality education regardless of zip code. He has proposed cutting the number of Illinois school districts in half, which he says would save schools nearly $130 million to $170 million annually in administrative costs and could conservatively save the state $3 billion to $4 billion in pension costs over the next 30 years. He says he would empower parents to choose schools and support teachers with more resources.
Criminal justice and public safety
Bailey says he would stand with law enforcement and provide officers with additional tools, training and support. He says he would hold violent criminals accountable and crack down on repeat offenders.
Guns
Bailey says he supports Second Amendment protections. "We cannot lower our guard when it comes to the 2nd Amendment because our Constitutional rights are constantly under assault," he said in his questionnaire response.
Abortion
Bailey describes himself as pro-life. His campaign website lists "Fighting for the Unborn" among his priorities.
Candidate positions were collected from Bailey's campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses. The Oak Park Wire presents them without endorsement.
