Darren Bailey, a Republican from Xenia, Illinois, is running for governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat J.B. Pritzker 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 public records. He was also the 2022 Republican nominee for governor.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Hometown: Xenia, Illinois (born in Louisville, Illinois, on March 17, 1966)
- 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.
- Endorsements: Madison County GOP, Lake County GOP, Illinois Right to Life and Illinois Family Action, according to BallotReady
Experience and public service
Bailey served in the Illinois House for District 109 from 2019 to 2021 and in the state Senate for District 55 from 2021 to 2023. During his Senate tenure, he served as minority spokesperson on the Agriculture Committee.
He also served as a board member and president of the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education, starting in 2000. In 2024, he ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House District 12.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Bailey's campaign website and his responses on BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.
Taxes and property taxes
Bailey says he will fight to lower income and property taxes, cut government spending and bring fiscal responsibility back to Springfield, according to his campaign website. He has called for a property tax task force to develop reduction proposals.
Bailey says no family should pay more in property taxes than their mortgage. He opposes tax increases, arguing the state should attract employers through business-friendly policies instead.
Education
Bailey says every child deserves access to high-quality education regardless of ZIP code, according to his campaign responses. He has proposed cutting the number of Illinois school districts in half.
Bailey says the move would save schools nearly $130 million to $170 million a year in administrative costs. He adds it could conservatively save $3 billion to $4 billion in pension costs over 30 years. He says he would empower parents to make school choices and support teachers with resources.
Criminal justice and public safety
Bailey says he would stand with law enforcement and provide officers with tools, training and support. He says he would hold violent criminals accountable and crack down on repeat offenders, according to his campaign website.
Guns
Bailey says he supports Second Amendment rights. "We cannot lower our guard when it comes to the 2nd Amendment because our Constitutional rights are constantly under assault," he said in his BallotReady response.
Abortion
Bailey describes his position as pro-life. His campaign website lists "Fighting for the Unborn" among his priorities.
Candidate positions were drawn from Bailey's campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses.
