President Donald Trump has declared his support for Darren Bailey’s run for governor. This endorsement affects Bailey’s attempts to distance himself from Trump, who remains unpopular in Illinois. Trump’s support was a factor in Bailey’s loss to Democrat JB Pritzker in the 2022 election.
“I’ve already endorsed him. I’m all for Bailey,” Trump stated to reporters during his trip to Ireland, which included the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg resort. Trump praised Bailey and recounted the personal tragedy Bailey faced. Bailey lost his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash in Montana last October. In response to the tragedy, Trump sent Bailey a condolence letter and encouraged him to continue fighting for his state.
Trump had previously endorsed Bailey in the 2022 GOP primary, which Bailey lost to Pritzker by nearly 13 percentage points. Trump criticized Pritzker, a vocal national critic, calling him “a disaster as a governor.” Trump connected Pritzker’s performance to crime rates and expressed confusion over Democratic success in Illinois. Pritzker is currently seeking a third term and considering a presidential bid in 2028.
In his second campaign for governor, Bailey has focused on state issues and tried to minimize Trump’s influence to gain support in suburban areas that lean Democratic. Bailey stated, “Donald Trump has nothing to do with me running for governor,” when questioned about his previous efforts to get Trump’s backing, including visits to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
After Trump’s recent endorsement, Bailey reiterated, “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.”
Although Bailey has tried to downplay Trump’s role in his campaign, he continues to engage in activities related to Trump. Bailey attended the midterm Republican National Convention, labeled “Trumpapalooza” by supporters, and was seen in the “President’s Box” in Dallas in a photo posted on X by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost. Bailey had previously tried to unseat Bost, a Trump-endorsed candidate.
Pritzker’s campaign has responded to Trump’s endorsement with TV ads showcasing Bailey’s favorable statements about Trump during his previous campaign. Leah Hurwitz, a spokeswoman for Pritzker’s campaign, commented on Bailey’s admiration for Trump, citing his support for Trump’s policies and comments.
Trump is set for a rare visit to Illinois for the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Medinah Country Club; whether he will campaign for Bailey remains unknown.