Darren Bailey, a Republican from Xenia, Illinois, is running for governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat J.B. Pritzker and independent candidate Collin Corbett. The race will appear on ballots across DuPage County, including in Hinsdale.
Bailey won the March 2026 Republican primary with Cook County Chairman Aaron del Mar as his running mate. He was also the 2022 Republican nominee for governor.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Hometown: Xenia, Illinois (born March 17, 1966, in Louisville, Illinois)
- Family: Married to Cindy Stortzum; four children and multiple grandchildren
- Education: High school diploma, North Clay High School; associate's degree in agricultural production, Lake Land College (1986)
- Occupation: Owner, Bailey Family Farm. Bailey describes himself as a third-generation farmer who operates the farm with his sons. He and his wife also run a private Christian school.
- Endorsements: Madison County GOP, Lake County GOP, Illinois Right to Life, Illinois Family Action
Experience and public service
Bailey served in the Illinois House of Representatives for District 109 from 2019 to 2021, then in the Illinois State Senate for District 55 from 2021 to 2023. In the Senate, he served as minority spokesperson for the Agriculture Committee.
He was a board member of the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education starting in 2000 and served as president of the North Clay Board of Education. He ran in the 2024 Republican primary for U.S. House in Illinois' 12th Congressional District.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Bailey's campaign website and responses submitted through BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own words or claims unless otherwise noted.
Taxes and property tax relief
Bailey says he would fight to lower income and property taxes, cut government spending and bring "real fiscal responsibility back to Springfield." He has called for a property tax task force to develop reduction proposals, saying on his campaign site: "No family should ever pay more in property taxes than their mortgage—but in Illinois, countless families do."
Bailey says he opposes tax increases as an economic strategy. He argues the state should attract employers through business-friendly policies instead.
Education
Bailey says he supports cutting the number of Illinois school districts in half, a move he claims would save schools $130 million to $170 million annually and $3 billion to $4 billion in pension costs over 30 years. He says every child deserves access to high-quality education regardless of zip code and that he would empower parents to make school choices for their children.
Criminal justice and public safety
Bailey says he would stand with law enforcement and provide officers with additional tools, training and support. His campaign site says he would hold violent criminals accountable and crack down on repeat offenders.
Second Amendment
Bailey says he is a strong advocate for the right to bear arms. He says he would protect Second Amendment rights as governor.
Abortion
Bailey identifies as pro-life. His campaign lists "fighting for the unborn" among his priorities.
Candidate positions were drawn from Bailey's campaign website and responses submitted through BallotReady. The Hinsdale Journal was unable to interview the candidate for this profile. Voters can find additional candidate information at BallotReady.
