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* Former state senator Darren Bailey kicks off his second run for governor today with three campaign stops…
His 6 pm campaign appearance at Oakbrook’s Drake Hotel will be live-streamed on BlueRoomStream.com.
* The Democratic Party of Illinois reacted…
Today, Donald Trump wannabe Darren Bailey made it official: he’s in. In response, the Democratic Party of Illinois issued the following statement:
“After being rejected by Illinoisans across the state for his extreme views, this supposedly new and improved Darren Bailey is back for another run for Governor. He may have deleted his most extreme Facebook posts and videos, but Illinois voters haven’t forgotten: Darren Bailey is an extreme MAGA Republican, a Donald Trump loyalist, and has no business anywhere near the Governor’s Office.”
Bailey’s destructive record speaks for itself: cozying up to fringe extremists, supporting abortion bans, cheering on Trump’s Tariffs that raise prices for Illinois families, and voting against increased funding for public schools and law enforcement.
And he’s not alone. In this race to the bottom, Bailey joins Ted Dabrowski, who managed to accelerate the collapse of a failing nonprofit, a county sheriff whose fundraising numbers would be impressive only in a countywide race, and a little-known conspiracy theorist.
* So did the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association…
The state of Illinois got a jump scare this morning when perennial loser Darren Bailey announced he is once again running for Governor. Fresh off a failed Congressional run where his biggest “achievement” was securing the endorsement of former Congressman and accused sex offender Matt Gaetz – Bailey has decided it’s time to lose another race.
“If this three-time loser is Republicans’ best option to challenge a wildly popular incumbent Democrat…” says IDCCA President Mark Guethle, “Fine by us!”
Bailey’s campaign is shaping up to be a rerun of his greatest hits: attacking reproductive rights, parading weapons of war through otherwise peaceful towns, and groveling for approval from his authoritarian idol, Donald Trump. He celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade, voted against the Reproductive Health Act while in the General Assembly, and even claimed that abortion is “worse than the Holocaust.” He peddled Trump’s lies of election fraud, invited nepo-baby Donald Trump Jr. to headline a fundraiser, and called for Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Johnson to be imprisoned for opposing Trump’s threats of militarization of Chicago.
Despite his claims of hyper-conservative and “pro-family” policies, Bailey seems eager to hitch his wagon to Trump once more, even amid the storm of Epstein drama surrounding the President. “For a guy who touts conservative values and family-focus, he sure does love to seek approval from accused sex criminals and flaunt the weapons that are killing our school children,” added IDCCA President Mark Guethle. “I’ve got a feeling this race will go the same as the last two.”
* Illinois comptroller candidate Rep. Margaret Croke…
Darren Bailey is a MAGA extremist who wants to take away a woman’s right to choose & reverse our assault weapons ban. An Illinois led by him is not where I want my 3 kids growing up. I’ll always support Gov. Pritzker because he’s fighting for the best future our children deserve.
— Margaret Croke (@crokeforIL) September 25, 2025
…Adding… DGA…
DGA spokesperson Izzi Levy released the following statement in response to Darren Bailey launching another run for governor in Illinois:
“Darren Bailey has returned for another attempt to drag Illinois backwards and bring Donald Trump’s chaotic, destructive, and deeply unpopular agenda to the state. Bailey’s toxic record includes opposing sensible measures to reduce gun violence, aligning himself with the far-right, and supporting extreme plans to ban abortion.
“On the other hand, Governor Pritzker has delivered for Illinois families. Under his bold leadership, Illinois has secured major economic development projects, created good-paying jobs, expanded access to affordable health care, made historic investments in education, and eliminated the state tax on groceries.
“Bailey’s nothing more than Donald Trump’s puppet and has already proven why he’s too extreme to be governor.”
posted by Isabel Miller
Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 11:25 am
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“MAGA extremist” is the correct nomenclature. There’s nothing Big-R Republican about him. Dems should look to drive a wedge between the MAGA voters (power and grievance agenda) and traditional Republican voters (small government, low tax agenda) that still comprise the GOP primary voters. Stop using the word Republican in describing these candidates and use MAGA only. Get as many Republicans to stay home.
Comment by Save Ferris Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 11:36 am
==Darren Bailey is a MAGA extremist who wants to take away a woman’s right to choose & reverse our assault weapons ban.==
And that is how you set the table for Pritzker-Bailey II in 2026. A ringing endorsement to a certain audience that just can’t help themselves.
Comment by Roadrager Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 11:46 am
Why would the GOP in Illinois support a bumpkin as a candidate for governor? Bailey is 0-2 in his quest for office. His “Let’s Move On” after the Highland Park tragedy were insensitive and inappropriate then and now.
Bailey hasn’t changed in the ensuing years. Bailey’s hobby of running for office has run its course.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 11:52 am
@Ferris
Who/Where are these “Big-R Republicans?” To all appearances, the GOP and MAGA are just one and the same now.
Comment by Irreverent Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 11:55 am
We all know Croke is JB’s hand-picked candidate, but she sure is laying it on thick.
Comment by Squat Diddley Mr. Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:02 pm
Let’s bring the whole team back together. I think Tom DeVore should run for AG again. He should have his law license back before the election.
/s
Comment by Steve Rogers Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:03 pm
Neither Bailey nor Dabrowski have a chance and they must know it. Illinois is a very Blue State, and even if it were not, the abortion issue kills both of them.
Comment by Mason County Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:08 pm
At 57 I make it better that even money I never see a Republican hold statewide office again.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:13 pm
Obviously he’s not the nominee yet, but still, it’s really funny to me how much Democratic primary voters obsess over “electability” in their candidates versus how little their Republican counterparts do. If Bailey gets the nom, I’m betting on a sub-40% performance.
Comment by I-55 Fanatic Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:15 pm
Trying to figure out why he would launch his campaign from the Drake Hotel in Oakbrook.
Like is he making “Started from the Bottom” his theme song?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:15 pm
I need my governor to:
1) Be able to properly pronounce the name of our state.
2) Be a law abiding citizen that does not take pictures threatening the State Police.
3) Not continuously accept millions in government welfare.
4) Be a capitalist not a secret socialist.
5) Not hate farmers so much that he supports a bailout of Argentina by trump, a country that hurts American farmers by giving china deals on soybeans.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:16 pm
Now if you’re going to attack the former Senator have your facts, correct. He’s lost twice, however if you can show me this third loss I’ll stand correctly. Or wait maybe, never mind let’s say four-time loser. Sarcasm heavily implied here.
If Chairman Guethle adds the qualifier three-time losing duo of D-Ran & A-Aron then he’s correct.
Comment by D-RanA-AronBailDe-Lymar Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:27 pm
Excuse the autocorrect, thank you
Comment by D-RanA-AronBailDe-Lymar Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:28 pm
Bailey will win 95 counties and still lose by double digits.
Land does not vote.
Comment by just Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:34 pm
Bailey will win 96 counties and lose by double digits. Land does not vote and JB will be crowned again.
Comment by just here for the fun Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:36 pm
The DPI response would be much strong if it said, “cheering on Trump’s Tariffs that raise prices for Illinois families and crippling soybean markets for farmers.”
Comment by H-W Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:48 pm
Don’t ignore Del Mar.
He won’t swing this election, but he’s a different sort of Republican, willing to make a fair deal..
Comment by walker Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:53 pm
“The DPI response would be much strong if it said”
Thankfully they have their voters and extremist opponents. This party is poor at messaging, for years getting creamed on woke (progress and enlightenment) and socialism (their residents pay more than they get back). That is a major systemic failure.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:57 pm
Sad to see what Blueroom Stream has become. Their X account is beyond disturbing for an organization that’s supposed to be non partisan.
Comment by Jack Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 12:59 pm
Whenever I hear anyone open with “Friends”?…I feel for my wallet…to make sure it’s still there.
Comment by Dotnonymous x Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:10 pm
==This party is poor at messaging, for years getting creamed on woke (progress and enlightenment) and socialism (their residents pay more than they get back). ==
Exactly. This would not happen were Madigan’s people still in charge at DPI. Whatever their faults, they stayed in message and didnt take any crp from anyone.
Comment by low level Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:25 pm
Did any news organization ever do a serious deep-dive profile on Bailey? I still have so many questions over him bragging about kicking out two of his kids and everyone acting like that was normal.
Comment by Suburban Mom Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:30 pm
“Extreme maga,” “attacking reproductive rights, parading weapons of war through otherwise peaceful towns, and groveling for approval from his authoritarian idol, Donald Trump.”
Bailey is not remotely extremist after the last five years pushed the limit on that.
Ask the dad’s about reproductive rights.
“Weapons of war” has been debunked in federal court and will likely prevail at scotus.
Authoritarianism is actually on the left side of the political continuum, so at minimum a poor analysis of what’s happening.
All humorous to me. I’ll be listening to all the candidates.
It’s obvious that both parties need to move to the center a bit.
Comment by 40,000 ft Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:34 pm
Instead of launching another vanity tour that’s doomed for failure, Darren Bailey should be staying home and helping with the corn and soybean harvest. Something productive and something he’s actually good at.
Comment by here we go again Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:44 pm
===This would not happen were Madigan’s people still in charge at DPI===
Well, Madigan the party chair is very likely going to prison, his party executive director is still in prison as far as I know, so I’m not sure what you mean.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:57 pm
Also, Madigan’s DPI cared almost totally about House races.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 1:58 pm
===Illinois comptroller candidate Rep. Margaret Croke===
She’s not wrong.
===Madigan’s DPI cared almost totally about House races===
Democrats in Illinois have been so abused that they think that whatever Madigan was doing with the State Party was a good use of the state party.
The DPI is never directly on the ballot. They can issue press releases and drive messaging without that being tied back to an individual candidate.
===and crippling soybean markets for farmers.===
I’m not sure folks really appreciate how few people are directly involved in farming soy beans, but the folks that directly and indirectly depend on that industry haven’t been voting with any concern for their economic survival in the last three elections and decided to go ahead and plant soybeans after the writing was already on the wall with the looming trade war — probably because they expect federal aid. There are may millions of Illinois voters who couldn’t care less about soybean farmers as an issue.
===This party is poor at messaging===
Score. Board.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 2:25 pm
=== Dems should look to drive a wedge between the MAGA voters (power and grievance agenda) and traditional Republican voters (small government, low tax agenda) that still comprise the GOP primary voters. ===
The person you describe doesn’t exist in any meaningful numbers. Most traditional GOP voters were long since driven from the party by the MAGA cancer over a decade ago.
Bailey is so linked to MAGA extremism and with his primary opponents lacking the gravitas to compete, JB will lay the full force of his war chest on him.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 2:38 pm
Who/Where are these “Big-R Republicans?”
The last one in Illinois just died.
Comment by Save Ferris Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 2:53 pm
Rich yes I understand that but to Grandson of Man’s comment that DPI is “for years getting creamed on woke (progress and enlightenment) and socialism”, this would not happen w MJM’s people running the show. They were anything but woke. They hit back - hard. And this was not just MJM or Mapes but all of the very talented staff below them.
Comment by low level Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 3:04 pm
I believe they called the 2022 race for Pritzker ten seconds after the polls closed. Why would this guy waste his time? I assume the real play is to up his exposure for some other gig (Congress, a Trump appointment…). Nothing else makes sense; this guy is gonna get smoked and I assume he knows that…
Comment by North Side sox fan Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 4:20 pm
GOP does not need the same old retreads. It needs someone who relatively young, energetic, Center Right — not Right) and able to get a lot of funding. Then a very outside chance to win.
Can I think of anybody. NOPE. That is the reality of the GOP in Illinois.
Comment by Mason County Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 4:31 pm
An extremist and an opportunist: Bailey & Del Mar 2028.
Comment by Recipe for Disaster Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 4:34 pm
== Authoritarianism is actually on the left side of the political continuum, so at minimum a poor analysis of what’s happening. ==
That’s a really poor understanding of the political continuum for you to put out there. Authoritarianism is neither left nor right, but instead is the opposite of libertarian. Both sides engage in authoritarian behaviors, but you don’t have to take my word for it when you can read the research on the matter:
“In Western political contexts, authoritarian norms are more likely to occur on the conservative side of the political spectrum; but authoritarian attributes can occur in both conservatives and liberals.”
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8837383/
Comment by Leap Day William Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 4:52 pm
Darren Bailey is wasting his time. Ted Dabrowski (as much as I hate to say) will be the Republican nominee. Bailey had his chance.
Comment by Fivegreenleaves Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 5:26 pm
===Ted Dabrowski (as much as I hate to say) will be the Republican nominee===
Darren Bailey is more qualified to be a losing GOP candidate than Ted Dabrowski. Vote for the loser your know. Vote for the loser you trust.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 5:44 pm
Bailey was terrible at being a leader for Illinois. He tried to strongarm his way to be respected.
Comment by Power House Prowler Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 7:22 pm
@Candy Dogood
It’s not about the few farmers. It’s about the enormity of that commodity market on the state and federal economies. Agriculture is still a major influence upon all of here in Illinois.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 7:24 pm
=Ted Dabrowski (as much as I hate to say) will be the Republican nominee=
If Ken Griffin was still in the game he’d be putting his money behind Dabrowski. He’s the logical evolution from Bruce Rauner. And that doesn’t resonate with today’s ILGOP voters.
The upside for Pritzker is that he doesn’t need to remind primary voters that Bailey is exactly who they want. He’s their kind of loser.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 7:30 pm
I realize that most of you have more knowledge about this than I do. I expected Bailey to run for Senate. I don’t expect him to win, but it seems to me running against the Dem. Senate nominee would be easier than running against JB (and his wallet)again.
Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Sep 25, 25 @ 9:50 pm