Bailey/Del Mar Launch Second 'Take Back Illinois' Tour

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and running mate Aaron Del Mar kick off multi-city campaign stops.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, have launched their second 'Take Back Illinois' tour with several stops planned throughout this week across the state. The tour includes visits to local restaurants, community centers, and other venues where Bailey and Del Mar will meet with voters and lay out their vision for the state.

Why it matters

The 'Take Back Illinois' tour is a key part of Bailey and Del Mar's campaign strategy to connect directly with Illinois residents and build grassroots support ahead of the upcoming election. As political outsiders, the tour allows them to introduce themselves to voters and highlight their policy platform.

The details

The second 'Take Back Illinois' tour includes stops in over a dozen cities and towns across Illinois, with Bailey and Del Mar visiting local restaurants, community centers, and other venues to meet with voters. The tour kicked off on Monday, February 16th and will run through Saturday, February 21st, with the final day focused on entertainment-themed events in Oswego.

  • The second 'Take Back Illinois' tour kicked off on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The tour will run through Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • On the final day, Saturday, February 21st, the tour will feature entertainment-themed events in Oswego, Illinois.

The players

Darren Bailey

Illinois gubernatorial candidate.

Aaron Del Mar

Illinois gubernatorial running mate of Darren Bailey.

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What they’re saying

“One of the things I enjoy most about campaigning is traveling this state and meeting the great men and women who make Illinois a special place to live and raise a family. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones and laying out my vision for a new Illinois.”

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The 'Take Back Illinois' tour allows Bailey and Del Mar to directly connect with voters across the state and build grassroots support for their campaign's vision to address the key issues facing Illinois.