Darren Bailey
Republican · Challenger · Governor
Background
Darren Bailey (R) is a former Illinois state senator and farmer from Xenia. He was the Republican nominee for governor in 2022, losing to JB Pritzker. He is challenging Pritzker again in the 2026 race.
Sources: Ballotpedia.
Issue Positions
- Economy
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Supports tax cuts and reducing the size of state government. Emphasizes business deregulation and property tax relief.
- Healthcare
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Opposes government-mandated health measures. Criticized pandemic restrictions as governor candidate in 2022.
- Immigration
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Supports strict border security and enforcement.
- Climate/Environment
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Supports domestic energy production. Skeptical of major climate regulations and energy mandates.
- Gun Policy
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Strongly supports Second Amendment rights and opposes new gun control measures. Opposes Illinois assault weapons ban.
- Education
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Supports school choice and parental rights in education. Opposes critical race theory in schools.