Here we go again… (Updated)
Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The last time we saw this sort of language, the governor was preparing to spend a fortune to help nominate Bailey in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary. From a new JB for Governor press release…
Darren Bailey Is Way Too Conservative for Illinois
From his unshakable loyalty to President Trump – to his ultra-MAGA policies – GOP gubernatorial candidate Bailey is not fit to serve the people of Illinois
CHICAGO — GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is the president’s puppet, and his ultra-MAGA values threaten to move Illinois back to the stone age. An Illinois under Darren Bailey would be nothing more than an Illinois under the bruised thumb of President Trump.
Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz” has been a violent attack on every Illinoisan, on our values, and on our livelihood. Bailey has supported it every step of the way. That’s not surprising though – given he was endorsed by President Trump in 2022.
“Darren is a fearless supporter of the Second Amendment and a tireless champion of religious liberty.” Trump said at an Illinois rally on June 25, 2022. “Darren has my complete and total endorsement.”
And Darren recently said he “would be honored” if the president gave it again.
Bailey has proven time and time again that he doesn’t care about Illinoisans. He only cares about winning Trump’s approval. It’s clear as day: Darren Bailey is way too conservative for Illinois.
As a reminder, here are just a few things Darren Bailey has said that prove how out of step he is with the great state of Illinois:
Since Trump’s Second Term
1. “[President Trump]’s a very genuine person. He is a man of integrity.” - Darren Bailey on NBC 5 Chicago (Dec. 1, 2025)
2. “I support President Trump bringing in the National Guard.” - Darren Bailey wrote on Facebook (August 29, 2025)
Neither Donald Trump nor Darren Bailey has an ounce of integrity, especially when they encourage ICE agents to unlawfully arrest and harm the people of Illinois.
During Trump’s Prosecutions
3. Bailey called Trump’s May 2024 felony conviction “chicken sh*t” in a Facebook post. (May 30, 2024)
4. Shortly after Trump was indicted for 37 felony counts surrounding the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, Bailey posted a photo of them together at Trump’s New Jersey country club captioned, “It’s an honor to stand with this man.” (June 14, 2023)
It’s clear – Darren Bailey will stand with Trump, even when what he does is illegal and puts Americans at risk.
Before the 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial Election
5. “Sometimes, people will refer to me as the ‘Trump of Illinois.’” - Darren Bailey on political radio program Beyond the Beltway with Bruce DuMont (May 22, 2022)
6. “I’ve made a promise to President Trump that in 2024, Illinois will roll the red carpet out for him because Illinois will be ready for President Trump.” - Darren Bailey at an Illinois rally (June 25, 2022)
7. After the 2020 election, Bailey supported election fraud claims saying, “All this fraudulent activity is absolutely disgusting.”
Even then, Bailey was ready to lie, bend the knee, and toss out the results of a free and fair election, all to appease Trump’s ego.
Bailey’s not running to be governor to help Illinoisans; he’s running to infect our state with Trump’s poisonous agenda and make your families’ lives worse.
Thoughts?
…Adding… The Democratic Party of Illinois…
In the five years since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, MAGA Republican and right wing violence-apologist Darren Bailey has refused to stand on the right side of history and condemn the violent act. The Democratic Party of Illinois released the following statement:
“Five years ago our nation was scarred by radical vigilantes who threatened to hang the Vice President and House Speaker of the United States. Officers were beaten within an inch of their lives, our Capitol was desecrated and our nation disrespected. Instead of exercising a bit of decency, and condemning those attackers, Darren Bailey has repeatedly whitewashed one of the darkest days in recent American history.”
Less than two weeks ago, Darren Bailey looked directly into a camera (26:30) and said the event that eventually claimed the lives of law enforcement–was a very clear farce, while supporting the pardoning of the violent insurrectionists.
In the five years since one of the most shameful acts of right-wing violence, Darren Bailey has kept up The Big Lie:
- Bailey promoted election fraud conspiracies and said the idea of Trump conceding in 2020 was “appalling:” “‘All this fraudulent activity is absolutely disgusting. It’s wrong, it’s—in my opinion—almost the highest form of treason in our country, so we pray that it will be dealt with.’ After the election, Bailey said on social media that he stood with Trump and that he found the idea that he should concede ‘appalling’”
- Bailey would not say if the 2020 election had been decided fairly: “Far behind them is Mr. Bailey, whose primary financial benefactor is Richard Uihlein, the billionaire megadonor of far-right Republican candidates, who has donated $9 million of the $11.6 million Mr. Bailey has raised and sent another $8 million to a political action committee that has attacked Mr. Irvin as insufficiently conservative. … Mr. Bailey would not say if the 2020 election had been decided fairly or if Mr. Pence did the right thing.”
After Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, Darren Bailey promptly promoted The Big Lie.
Bailey surrounds himself with a team and allies directly connected to the insurrection:
- WTTW: Darren Bailey, Republican Candidate for Governor, Campaigns With Pastors Who Were On US Capitol Grounds During Insurrection
- KSDK: Man Charged In Capitol Riot Re-Emerged To Rally Early Voters With Bailey Campaign Staff
- Capitol Fax: Bailey’s ‘Punisher’ Preacher Ally Was At Stop The Steal Rally
- Illinois Playbook: Bailey’s Friends In Jan. 6 Places
- WCIA: Bailey Campaign Activist Charged In January 6th Capitol Riot
- Capitol Fax: Chicago Man Arrested By Feds In January 6 Probe Had Apparent Ties to Bailey Campaign
In the years since January 6, 2021, Bailey has been unwavering in his support for the very man who incited the violence:
- In an 2025 interview with NBC Chicago, Bailey said he would welcome another endorsement from President Trump and called him a “man of integrity.”
- On the day of Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration, Bailey wrote on Facebook “We have prayed, worked, and fought for this day for the past 8 years! Prayers have been answered, dividends of the work have payed off, and this fight has been won!! God Bless Donald J Trump and the United States of America.”
Darren Bailey has made it clear he is a right-wing extremist who bows to Donald Trump. With several extremists in the GOP primary for governor, Illinois voters deserve to know where Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner, and James Mendrick stand. Do they agree with Bailey, or will they condemn Jan 6th, Donald Trump, and the rioters who stormed our nation’s Capitol and threatened to kill lawmakers?
- West Sider - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:31 am:
If it ain’t broke…
- meh - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:33 am:
It’s Jan 6 today. You gotta hit these people on this day specifically. Dabrowski just isn’t on the record as much around that time on this issue. But Bailey has a wealth of stuff to pull from. We can’t let these people get away with what they did on this day and then supporting the president who pardoned all the criminals while screaming about crime everywhere else.
- low level - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:39 am:
Everything the Governor has said is spot on. I dont see what the problem is.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:39 am:
Over the top.
This would be like the United States warning about an imminent threat from Monaco.
This will not affect Illinois Republicans’ votes or Illinois Democrats’ votes, and there are probably not enough Independents to swing the election.
So, why?
- Excitable Boy - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:42 am:
I actually think either Dabrowski or Mendrick would be an easier opponent. But that ain’t sayin much.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:50 am:
It’s spot on. And any anger should be directed at the Illinois Republican Party and its voters for allowing it to happen. They wear loyalty and losing like a badge of honor and then blame the voters when they get the same predictable result.
- TNR - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:51 am:
Saw Bailey on the news this morning promising to set up a state version of DOGE if he gets elected. Leaning into the least popular elements of MAGA. On brand.
- Red headed step child - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:57 am:
Jb in a,rout…3 to 1
- Head in Sand - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 10:59 am:
Bailey would be the best opponent for Pritzker. Easy to beat again. Maybe they think all the linking to MAGA helps Bailey in the primary but hurts him the general. The approach is aligned with their goals on two levels?
- SOIL M - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:02 am:
Bailey is and always has been an empty suit who will say whatever he thinks people want to hear, no matter what he really believes. He doesn’t have any original thoughts, just knows sound bites.
Of course the Governor wants him in the General election again. He knows Bailey is easiest for him to beat.
- Steve - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:04 am:
I thought JB would bring up Bailey’s views on taxes. I guess whatever works for you.
- Sue - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:08 am:
If that’s what Pritzker is doing, he’s not being nearly as clever about it as four years ago. “Ultra-MAGA” is a Democrat’s pejorative of choice. I don’t see a Republican reading this and saying “wow, Bailey’s my guy,” rather than, “boy, do I hate Pritzker.” I suppose we’ll see whether a vaguely-named PAC will start running TV ads this time around, which matter more than press releases.
- Siualum - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:12 am:
“So why” - I think anytime there’s an opportunity to call out trump and his maga sycophants, take it.
- good grief - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:16 am:
Sadly, so many in the GOP base are so naive, they’ll fall for this again. If the primary was today, Bailey would get nomination easily. Zero question. Might even get close to breaking 50%. Then go on to get his clock cleaned AGAIN by Pritzker. So unbelievable. But I don’t expect anything to change much before the primary because rest of GOP field is so weak and uninspiring. Only beneficiary of this nonsense is the Lite Gov candidate Bailey inexplicably partnered with, Aaron Del Mar. That guy at least seems to be enjoying milking the vanity tour every day until next enormous loss.
- Sue - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:20 am:
Pretty much any Republican will get their clock cleaned. Seems to me the best bang for the buck for Pritzker would be to spend the minimum cash necessary on his own election and pour it all into every vaguely competitive state house & senate race to wipe the GOP off the map as much as possible. But if his eyes are focused on the national level, maybe the strategy is to get as much national name-recognition as possible from his money?
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:22 am:
As a former life long republican and old committee person from DuPage there is not a single person Republican I would vote for for governor and I see darn few I might vote for down ballot. I guess the only reason I can see for the governor to spend money is to get a record victory to help him get a presidential nomination. I used to feel sad for the Republican Party but that party no longer exists
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:29 am:
==best bang for the buck for Pritzker would be to spend the minimum cash necessary on his own election and pour it all into every vaguely competitive state house & senate race==
He’s going to do that anyway. The only thing blocking him is that most other states have more conservative contribution limits than Illinois.
- Frida's Boss - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:31 am:
If the playbook wins the game, then use the playbook. Proven strategy.
His rhetoric and inability to understand anything beyond downstate politics will be a drag on the party statewide, just like last time. Did he finally figure out where to go in Chicago?
- Sue - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:33 am:
As there is zero chance JB is not going to win by 20 points - why not spare everyone having to view the ads and donate the 150 M he is going to spend to our pension funds?
- Scoot - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:37 am:
Bailey has pretty much made a career running for office. State House, State Senate, Governor, Congress, and now Governor again. We can’t miss you if you won’t go away…
- low level - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:45 am:
JB Pritzker, Governor for Life
JB4L
- Occasionally Moderated - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:47 am:
I’m just sitting here wondering if AI could create an ideal republican candidate that could beat the governor, what would that ideal candidate look like?
- good grief - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 11:50 am:
Pritzker lies a lot about Trump but this particular release is mostly just straight facts. Can’t deny. All fair game. But as a lifelong Republican what I find most annoying is Bailey being portrayed as some strong defender and ally of Trump based on a few cherry picked past quotes. But I clearly recall last time in the debate when Pritzker called Trump all kinds of nasty names — and Bailey had zero counter. Zero pushback. Zero defense. After milking Trump in primary, Bailey abandoned Trump in the general. No doubt at urging of staff who told him Trump was a drag in the general. But it was obvious Bailey was going to lose huge in any case. I could have kept some respect for Bailey if he had at least gone out fighting on his feet, instead of on his knees. I’ll never vote for Bailey again. He had his chance and voters spoke. Bailey would probably make a great Recording Secretary or something at the his county Farm Bureau organization, but he has no business running to be CEO of one of the largest states. Amazing ego for a guy who wears his religion on his sleeve the way he does.
- JB13 - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 12:10 pm:
– what would that ideal candidate look like –
Realistically? Like someone who would never make it past the suicide pact known as the Illinois Republican primary.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 12:46 pm:
The rugged individual liberty party refuses to stand up to MAGA and move back toward the middle, thus resulting in the types of candidates today instead of those like Edgar. Certainly there can be no surprise at the results.
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 1:05 pm:
@Grandson of Man
I already put my two cents in but I think Grandson hit nail on head as what is wrong with the Republicans today: They actually are surprised when they lose and lose, hence trying same thing again and again. I think that is the definition of something
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 1:07 pm:
= why not spare everyone having to view the ads and donate the 150 M he is going to spend to our pension funds?=
Why aren’t you asking Bailey wt al the same question? I mean they have been getting pantsed for the better part of a decade yet they keep wasting money? In Bailey’s case I have to hear his poor command of English to boot.
Maybe the republicans could donate the money to people who can no longer afford health insurance?
- Occasionally Moderated - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 2:34 pm:
==they have been getting pantsed for the better part of a decade==
Early frontrunner for best online comment of 2026
- Excitable Boy - Tuesday, Jan 6, 26 @ 4:03 pm:
- why not spare everyone having to view the ads and donate the 150 M he is going to spend to our pension funds? -
The GOP didn’t have to field candidates. See the race for Treasurer as an example.