Darren Bailey, a Republican from Xenia, is running for governor of Illinois in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Democrat J.B. Pritzker and independent Collin Corbett.
Bailey won the March 2026 Republican primary with Cook County Chairman Aaron del Mar as his running mate, according to his Wikipedia entry. He was the 2022 Republican nominee for governor.
Candidate information
- Born: March 17, 1966, in Louisville, Illinois
- Residence: Xenia, 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 describes himself as a third-generation farmer from rural Southern Illinois, according to his campaign website. He and his sons operate Bailey Family Farm. He and his wife also run a private Christian school.
Experience and public service
Bailey served as a state representative for Illinois House District 109 from 2019 to 2021. He then served as a state senator for District 55 from 2021 to 2023, where he was minority spokesperson on the Agriculture Committee.
Bailey joined the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education in 2000 and later served as its president.
He ran in the 2024 Republican primary for U.S. House in Illinois' 12th Congressional District.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Bailey's responses on his campaign website and through BallotReady.
Taxes and spending
Bailey says he would fight to lower income and property taxes and cut government spending. He has called for a property tax task force to develop reduction proposals, saying on his campaign issues page that "no family should ever 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 he supports school funding and parental choice. He has proposed cutting the number of Illinois school districts in half.
Bailey says the move would save Illinois schools nearly $130 million to $170 million per year in administrative costs. It could conservatively save the state $3 billion to $4 billion in pension costs over 30 years, he says.
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 calls himself a strong advocate for Second Amendment rights. He would fight against gun restrictions, he says.
Abortion
Bailey calls himself pro-life. His campaign website lists "fighting for the unborn" among his priorities.
Endorsements
Bailey has received endorsements from the Madison County GOP, the Lake County GOP, Illinois Right to Life and Illinois Family Action, according to BallotReady.
Candidate positions were drawn from Bailey's campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses. Glenbard Wire did not interview the candidate for this profile.
