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Darren Bailey

Republican candidate for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Illinois · Challenger

Farmer (self-employed)

Darren Bailey is a farmer from southern Illinois and a former Illinois state representative and state senator. He was the Republican nominee for governor in 2022 and lost to JB Pritzker. He won the 2026 Republican primary and faces Pritzker again in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Where Bailey stands

Property taxes
Says property taxes are his first priority and proposes capping property tax increases at 1 percent.
State spending and budget
Says Illinois has a spending problem, not a taxing problem. Proposes auditing state grants to non-governmental organizations and giving lawmakers more time to review budgets before they vote.
Energy and utility costs
Supports repealing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Favors an all-of-the-above energy approach that includes coal, nuclear and renewables, and says Illinois should export energy.
Chicago Bears stadium
Proposes his 'I-Formation' plan: the Bears pay for the stadium privately, the state backs up to $800 million in infrastructure revenue bonds repaid from a stadium tourism district, and the team commits to stay in Illinois for 40 years.
Data centers
Supports letting local governments decide how to handle data centers, and says data center companies should make concessions to communities on water and electricity use.
Business tax incentives
Prefers lowering taxes for all businesses over targeted breaks, but says he is open to incentives if the companies receiving them commit to staying in Illinois.
Education funding
Says education funding should be a high priority, but wants more accountability for how schools spend money and less reliance on property taxes to fund schools.

Background

In the news

Also running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Sources

Last researched October 22, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.