Published on November 10, 2025 8:18 pm
Last Updated on November 10, 2025 8:18 pm
Former State Senator and 2022 Republican nominee for Illinois governor Darren Bailey shared Monday that he will remain in the race for the 2026 gubernatorial nomination.
The announcement comes two weeks after the deaths of their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash in Montana.
Bailey and wife Cindy released a video about their decision. Darren Bailey said that many have asked whether they planned to stay in the race for governor. He said that “after a lot of prayer and honest conversations, we’ve decided to continue.” He said their message is that “Illinois is worth fighting for.”
Bailey said, “This fight is for you.”
The Xenia farmer is one of four principal hopefuls for the Republican nomination, but has the highest visibility after winning the 2022 nomination.
