Republican candidate Darren Bailey won the party’s primary race for governor, securing the nomination and advancing to the November general election, where he’ll face off against incumbent JB Pritzker, who went uncontested in the Democratic primary.

Bailey did not immediately provide a direct statement on his primary victory but outlined his campaign’s focus heading into the general election.

This is the second time Bailey will challenge Pritzker for governor, having lost the 2022 election. 

In Jackson County, Bailey led the Republican field with 1,463 votes, or 52.47%. He was followed by Ted Dabrowski with 36.62%, while James Mendrick and Rick Heidner received smaller shares of the vote.

Statewide, Bailey received about 53.5% of the vote, defeating Ted Dabrowski, who received 28.9%. James Mendrick and Rick Heidner received smaller shares of the vote.

The result sets up a closely watched race this fall, with major issues like the cost of living, public safety and state spending expected to shape voter decisions. Bailey’s support in southern Illinois could play a role, though the general election will likely depend on how Pritzker performs across more populated parts of the state.

“I am focused on the issues facing the citizens of this great state,” Bailey said in an interview with the Daily Egyptian on March 18. “The people I talk to are concerned about taxes, the cost of living, their energy bills and the safety of their communities.”

Bailey, a farmer and former state senator from southern Illinois, has centered his campaign on conservative priorities, including reducing government spending and increasing representation for downstate communities.

Looking ahead to November, Bailey said he expects a competitive race and is already preparing to reach voters beyond his Republican base, including independents and democrats.

“There is no question that this will be a tough race, but I am up to the challenge,” he said. “I need Republicans, Independents and reform-minded Democrats to rally behind me.”

He said his campaign is beginning to ramp up activity statewide, with more events and outreach planned in the upcoming months.

“I am already filling my schedule with campaign events and stops,” Bailey said. “The work to turn Illinois around is just getting started.”

Bailey also emphasized the importance of building a broader coalition as the general election approaches.

“Right now, the focus is uniting Republicans and building the coalition needed to win in November,” he said.

While Bailey said his campaign will also focus on other regions of the state, he plans to continue to honor his ties to southern Illinois.

“My home is in southern Illinois. People here know me,” he said. “We will continue to make ourselves available to southern Illinois voters.”

Staff reporter Tay Acree can be reached at [email protected].

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