Bailey campaigns on "freedom" in the Illinois governor's race
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Darren Bailey speaks at a 2022 rally in Mendon, Illinois. Photo: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
Former state Sen. Darren Bailey kicked off his 2026 gubernatorial campaign last week with two simple messages: Illinois is too expensive, and Gov. JB Pritzker is taking away your freedoms.
Why it matters: The Republican is looking to unseat Pritzker in a rematch of 2022.
Flashback: Bailey didn't fare well the first time around, losing to Pritzker in a landslide.
Zoom in: Bailey's first public appearances seemed to show that one of his campaign strategies will be to focus on affordability, pointing to Pritzker's increases in spending over his tenure.
Yes, but: While Bailey could strike a chord with Illinois voters over how expensive groceries, gas prices and other items are, he will have to convince voters that Pritzker is the irresponsible one, and not current Republican President Trump, whose tariffs have caused the highest grocery prices since 2022.
The intrigue: Bailey also hammered the importance of personal freedoms in his rally in Oak Brook last Thursday.
- While laying out his reasons why he thinks Pritzker should not get a third term, he said, "Our freedoms cannot endure it."
Between the lines: While Democrats, including Pritzker, are running their midterm campaigns on democracy and freedom of speech, it's interesting to hear Republicans rally for the same thing.
What they're saying: "We have a governor who wants to pass mandate after mandate," Bailey's campaign spokesperson tells Axios. "Telling people how to live their lives, run their business and raise their kids. His policies and high taxes are stealing freedom and opportunities from Illinoisans."
The other side: Pritzker has made it clear since announcing his bid for a third term that his campaign strategy will be two words: Anti-Trump.
The bottom line: Both candidates are using freedom as a rallying cry, but it's unclear if they both are going after the same thing.
What's next: Bailey is running against Republicans Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick and Joseph Severino in the primary on March 17, 2026.