Trump Endorses Darren Bailey for Illinois Governor

President Donald Trump has endorsed Darren Bailey for the position of Illinois governor. This move affects Bailey’s attempts to distance himself from Trump, who remains unpopular in Illinois. Trump’s previous backing played a part in Bailey’s 2022 defeat to Democrat JB Pritzker.

Trump confirmed his support for Bailey while in Ireland, saying, “I’ve already endorsed him. I’m all for Bailey.” Trump, at the time, was concluding a trip that included diplomatic meetings and the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament held at his resort in Doonbeg, County Clare. He praised Bailey, referencing Bailey’s family tragedy in 2022 when Bailey lost his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two children in a helicopter crash in Montana.

Following the crash, Trump sent a letter of condolence to Bailey, urging him to “continue to Fight! Fight! Fight! for your beloved state in honor of your beautiful family.” In 2022, Trump endorsed Bailey in the GOP primary, although Bailey lost to Pritzker by nearly 13 percentage points in the general election. Trump criticized Pritzker, calling him a “disaster as a governor,” and cited issues with crime in the state as reasons for Pritzker to lose.

You look at what’s happening with crime. And JB Pritzker should lose. For some reason, Democrats win there. I don’t know why. But Bailey is a very good candidate. He had a horrible tragedy. Amazing that he could go forward. A large portion of his family was wiped out.

Despite Trump’s endorsement, Bailey has focused on state issues to appeal to suburban voters who shifted to Democratic preferences due in part to Trump’s lack of popularity there. Bailey emphasized that his gubernatorial campaign is independent of Trump’s influence, stating, “Donald Trump has nothing to do with me running for governor.” He reiterated this message after Trump’s recent public endorsements.

Bailey said, “I appreciate President Trump’s endorsement of my campaign for governor, but that’s not what this race is about. It’s about the endless ways JB Pritzker has failed Illinois families over the last eight years.” Despite these assertions, Bailey has maintained actions that link him to Trump. He participated in the midterm Republican National Convention, recognized as “Trumpapalooza,” and appeared in a photo in the “President’s Box” in Dallas.

Pritzker’s current campaign ads show Bailey’s past supportive comments about Trump. Leah Hurwitz, a spokeswoman for Pritzker’s campaign, stated, “Trump’s endorsement of Bailey won’t come as a surprise to Illinoisans who know all about Bailey’s intense admiration for Trump.” She criticized Bailey for supporting Trump’s policies that she argues have harmed Illinois.

Trump plans to visit Illinois soon for the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Medinah Country Club in DuPage County. It is uncertain if Trump will assist Bailey’s campaign during his visit. Trump lost Illinois in all three of his presidential races.