Aaron Del Mar

Former Republican nominee for governor Darren Bailey greets supporters at Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 18, 2022.

Government & Politics

‘More listening and less talking’: Darren Bailey insists results will be different in 2nd run for governor

Ben Szalinski

Bailey leaning on running mate from Cook County to win over urban voters

Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey speaks at a news conference with running mate Aaron Del Mar on Jan. 8, 2026.

Government & Politics

Bailey proposes ‘Illinois DOGE’ as Republican governor’s race focuses on spending

Ben Szalinski

New poll shows Bailey holds commanding lead in four-person primary

Former Republican State Sen. Darren Bailey speaks to supporters at a rally in Bloomington to open his 2026 campaign for governor on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. Bailey named Cook County Republican Party Chair Aaron Del Mar, right, as his running mate.

Government & Politics

Darren Bailey enters Illinois governor’s race, pledging new approach to Chicago area

Ben Szalinski

Bailey was 2022 GOP nominee who called city a ‘hellhole,’ lost to Pritzker by 13 points

Government & Politics

A Diversity Check Of Illinois' RNC Delegation

Amanda Vinicky

The GOP has been talking for years about the need to do more minority outreach: Illinois leaders like former Governor Jim Edgar said at the Republican…