Bailey to Host Meet and Greet in Carterville

Illinois gubernatorial candidate to connect with voters in Southern Illinois

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Illinois gubernatorial candidate and former State Senator Darren Bailey will be in Carterville on Tuesday for a meet and greet with area voters. The event will be held at Stemm's Cafe and Coffee Shoppe from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Why it matters

As a candidate for Illinois governor, Bailey is looking to connect with voters in Southern Illinois, a key region for any statewide political campaign in the state.

The details

Bailey said he loves being in Southern Illinois and that the event will allow him to see old friends and meet new ones. The meet and greet is part of Bailey's broader campaign efforts to engage directly with voters across the state.

  • The event will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Darren Bailey

Illinois gubernatorial candidate and former State Senator.

Stemm's Cafe and Coffee Shoppe

The location where the meet and greet event will be held in Carterville, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“I love being in Southern Illinois. We officially launched our campaign at an event in Carterville last year, and it is great to get back and see old friends and meet new ones.”

— Darren Bailey, Illinois gubernatorial candidate (webqradio.com)

What’s next

Voters in the Carterville area will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Bailey directly at the event on Tuesday morning.

The takeaway

As a candidate for Illinois governor, Bailey is making a concerted effort to connect with voters in Southern Illinois, a crucial region for any statewide political campaign in the state.