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Xenia Today
By the People, for the People
Bailey Wins Ill. GOP Gov. Primary, Sets Pritzker Rematch
Darren Bailey, who lost to Pritzker in 2022, wins Republican nomination for Illinois governor
Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:48am
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Darren Bailey, a former state senator and representative from downstate Illinois, won the Republican primary for Illinois governor on Tuesday, setting up a rematch against incumbent Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in the November general election. Bailey, who lost to Pritzker by 12.5 percentage points in 2022, mounted a comeback bid after a family tragedy last fall.
Why it matters
The Illinois governor's race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country, as Pritzker, a billionaire Democrat, seeks a third term in a state that has elected just one Republican governor this century. Bailey's victory sets the stage for a high-profile ideological clash, with the conservative Bailey challenging Pritzker's progressive policies.
The details
Bailey won the Republican primary with 52.7% of the vote, defeating three challengers including former bank executive Ted Dabrowski, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and businessman Rick Heidner. Bailey cited a 'higher calling' to continue the conservative fight in heavily Democratic Illinois, where he lost to Pritzker by a double-digit margin in 2022. Former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Bailey's first run, urged him to stay in the race.
- Bailey lost to Pritzker in the 2022 Illinois gubernatorial election.
- Bailey's son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren died in a helicopter crash last fall.
- The Illinois Republican primary election was held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The players
Darren Bailey
A former state senator and representative from downstate Illinois who won the Republican nomination for Illinois governor, setting up a rematch against incumbent Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in the November general election.
JB Pritzker
The incumbent Democratic Governor of Illinois, who is seeking a third term after defeating Bailey by 12.5 percentage points in the 2022 election.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States, who endorsed Bailey's first run for governor and urged him to stay in the race after his family tragedy.
What they’re saying
“There was just this welling up in our heart that set in, and I knew that we were being called to do this. I'm fighting for my children and my grandchildren and a better future for everyone in Illinois.”
— Darren Bailey
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
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
