Darren Bailey Addresses Illinois GOP Unity Breakfast in Naperville

Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey sought to distance himself from the MAGA movement during a speech at the Illinois GOP unity breakfast in Naperville on March 18, 2026, acknowledging the challenges of running against incumbent Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker in a deeply blue state.

Bailey, a state senator from downstate Illinois and the 2022 Republican nominee for governor, told attendees that while he shares conservative values with former President Donald Trump, his campaign is focused on Illinois-specific issues rather than national political movements. “I’m not running as a MAGA candidate,” Bailey said. “I’m running as a Republican who believes in lower taxes, stronger schools, and safer communities — the kinds of issues that matter to families across this state, from Rockford to Marion.”

The remarks came as Bailey faces steep odds in his rematch against Pritzker, who is seeking a third term and has consistently led in polling. According to a March 2026 survey by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, Pritzker holds a 15-point advantage over Bailey among likely voters, with 52% supporting the incumbent and 37% backing the Republican challenger.

Pritzker’s campaign has highlighted Bailey’s alignment with Trump-endorsed candidates and his past support for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, though Bailey has not been implicated in any legal proceedings related to January 6. In response, Bailey has emphasized his record on fiscal conservatism, pointing to his opposition to state tax increases and his support for legislation aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses.

Illinois Republicans have struggled to win statewide office since 2014, when Bruce Rauner defeated Pat Quinn for governor. Since then, Democrats have won every gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential election in the state by double-digit margins. Party leaders have acknowledged the uphill battle but stressed the importance of unity ahead of the November general election.

“We’re not conceding anything,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy in a statement following the Naperville event. “Darren has a clear message that resonates with voters who feel left behind by Springfield politics. Our job is to make sure that message reaches every corner of the state.”

Bailey’s campaign has focused on economic concerns, particularly inflation and property taxes, which remain top issues for voters in suburban and rural counties. He has proposed freezing state property taxes for two years and eliminating the state’s estate tax, arguing that such measures would make Illinois more competitive with neighboring states like Indiana and Iowa.

Pritzker, meanwhile, has pointed to his administration’s record on job growth, infrastructure investment, and education funding as reasons for voters to entrust him with another term. His campaign has also warned that a Bailey victory could lead to cuts in public services and restrictions on reproductive rights, citing the candidate’s past support for abortion restrictions.

With the general election less than seven months away, both candidates are expected to intensify their outreach efforts across Illinois. Bailey has scheduled a series of town halls in downstate and central Illinois regions, while Pritzker continues to highlight his administration’s response to recent flooding events along the Mississippi River as evidence of effective leadership.

The outcome of the race will serve as a key indicator of Republican competitiveness in traditionally Democratic-leaning states and could influence national GOP strategies heading into the 2028 election cycle.