Republican Darren Bailey is running for governor of Illinois in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Democrat J.B. Pritzker and independent candidate Collin Corbett.
Bailey, a farmer and former state legislator from Xenia, won the March 2026 Republican primary with Cook County Chairman Aaron del Mar as his running mate, according to his Wikipedia entry. 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: Owner, Bailey Family Farm. Bailey says he is a third-generation farmer who operates the 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, Illinois Family Action
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); minority spokesperson on the Agriculture Committee
- Republican nominee for governor of Illinois (2022)
- Candidate, U.S. House District 12 Republican primary (2024)
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Bailey's campaign website and responses collected by BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own words or claims unless otherwise noted.
Taxes and spending
Bailey says he would fight to lower income and property taxes and cut government spending. He has called for a legislative property tax task force to develop reduction proposals. Bailey says families are being taxed out of their homes and opposes tax increases, favoring business-friendly policies to attract employers.
Education
Bailey says he supports cutting the number of Illinois school districts in half, a move he says would save nearly $130 million to $170 million a year in administrative costs. He says the consolidation could conservatively save the state $3 billion to $4 billion in pension costs over 30 years. He says he would also advocate for parental choice and full school funding.
Criminal justice and public safety
Bailey says he would support law enforcement with additional tools and training. He says he would hold violent criminals accountable and crack down on repeat offenders.
Second Amendment
Bailey says he would advocate for gun rights and opposes restrictions on the Second Amendment.
Abortion
Bailey describes himself as pro-life.
Bailey also says he supports term limits for state legislators.
Candidate positions were drawn from Bailey's campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses. The Wheaton Sentinel presents this information to help voters evaluate candidates and does not endorse in elections.
