UPDATE: Just hours ago, Republican candidate Darren Bailey announced his return to the campaign trail for the Illinois governor’s race, following a devastating personal tragedy. Less than two months after a tragic helicopter crash on October 22, 2023, claimed the lives of his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, Bailey is determined to rebuild both his life and his campaign.
Bailey, 60, revealed that he took time off to grieve and take guardianship of his surviving grandson, Finn, 10, who was not on the aircraft. “I owe it to my family to continue this path,” Bailey stated, emphasizing the importance of his campaign to honor their memory. The emotional toll of the tragedy has heightened his compassion, with Bailey admitting, “I haven’t always been the best at expressing my care, my love.”
With a strong faith background as an evangelical Christian, Bailey is now vying for a rematch against incumbent JB Pritzker, a billionaire businessman. In the previous election, Bailey lost to Pritzker by nearly 13 percentage points. This time, he is one of six candidates seeking the Republican nomination, facing competition from conservative activist Ted Dabrowski and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.
The political landscape is shifting as Bailey’s financial backers from 2022 have largely moved to support Dabrowski, making his campaign feel like a David vs. Goliath battle. “We know what has to be different from the last time,” Bailey remarked, acknowledging the need for a refined campaign strategy focused on issues like affordability, education, and public safety rather than divisive social issues.
Bailey has faced backlash for his previous comments labeling Chicago a “hellhole.” He now expresses a deeper understanding of city pride and aims to bridge the gap between downstate and urban voters. “I’m asking people to forgo my accent,” he said, highlighting the challenges he faces in connecting with diverse constituents.
Bailey remains a staunch defender of former President Donald Trump, despite the polarizing nature of Trump’s policies in the region. He believes that Trump’s economic programs, including tariffs, will eventually yield positive results for Illinois farmers. “Time will tell,” he stated, pointing fingers at Pritzker for rising gas taxes and uncontrolled spending.
Looking ahead, Bailey is set to announce plans to address escalating property tax bills and is advocating for the repeal of the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail. He also calls for comprehensive audits of state spending, asserting that the government needs a financial “diet” to better serve its citizens.
Bailey’s grassroots support remains intact despite the challenges, though he acknowledges the financial edge his opponents have. “I believe that in time, they will realize the right thing to do is to be with us,” he stated, expressing confidence in his campaign’s future.
As Bailey resumes his campaign, he carries the weight of personal loss and public expectations. He shared that Finn is recovering well and recently received a golden Labrador retriever puppy to help with the healing process.
The National Transportation Safety Board has reported that it could take up to two years to determine the cause of the helicopter crash. A preliminary witness account described seeing the helicopter struggling to gain altitude before it vanished from sight.
Bailey’s return to politics comes at a crucial time, as he aims to unite voters across Illinois and create a platform that resonates with the majority. “I’m here to learn and to listen,” he concluded, signaling a renewed commitment to his campaign and to the people of Illinois.
As Darren Bailey steps back into the political arena, he is not just seeking a position but honoring the memory of his family, emphasizing the human impact of his journey. Keep an eye on this developing story as the Illinois gubernatorial race heats up.
