Full Breakdown
Trump Endorses Darren Bailey, Shaking Up Illinois Governor Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development
President Donald Trump announced a fresh endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey while speaking to reporters in Ireland. Trump described Bailey as “a good man” and reiterated his support, marking his third public backing of the down-state farmer and former state legislator. The endorsement arrived as both major-party candidates intensified debates over immigration enforcement, data-center policy, and the Chicago Bears stadium proposal.
Background and Campaign Dynamics
Bailey, who lost to incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker by roughly 13 points in the 2022 election, has repeatedly tried to downplay his ties to Trump, insisting the race should focus on state issues. Nonetheless, his prior statements have highlighted admiration for the former president, and his recent appearance at the Republican National Convention placed him in the “President’s Box” alongside Rep. Mike Bost. Pritzker, a billionaire entrepreneur and potential 2028 presidential contender, has leveraged the endorsement to portray Bailey as a Trump acolyte, linking him to controversial federal-agent actions and tariff policies.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump, in the Irish interview, criticized Pritzker as “a disaster as a Governor” and warned that “people are still afraid” of lingering ICE activity in Illinois.
- He also reiterated that “Donald Trump has nothing to do with me running for governor.”
- Trump is slated to visit Illinois later this month for the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, though it is unclear whether he will campaign for Bailey during the trip.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well I like the candidate from Illinois, he's a good man,” — Donald Trump, endorsement from president
- “You look at what’s happening with crime. And JB Pritzker should lose. For some reason, Democrats win there. I don’t know why,” — Donald Trump, endorsement from president
- “Donald Trump has nothing to do with me running for governor,” — Darren Bailey
- “I appreciate President Trump’s endorsement of my campaign for governor, but that’s not what this race is about,” — Darren Bailey
These statements capture the central clash between the candidates as the Illinois governor’s race heads toward the November ballot.