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Darren Bailey Relaunches 2026 Illinois Governor Bid, Names Cook County GOP Chair Aaron Del Mar as Running Mate

Democrats move to brand the "Bailey 2.0" ticket as too extreme.

Former state Sen. Darren Bailey greets people after announcing his Republican primary bid for governor, Sept. 25, 2025, at Turner’s Table in Carterville. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Bailey formally entered the Republican primary on Thursday and introduced Aaron Del Mar as his lieutenant governor pick.
  • Del Mar, who leads the Cook County GOP, said he will target urban, suburban, and collar-county voters while Bailey concentrates on the rest of the state.
  • Bailey emphasized a rebranded focus on taxes, opportunity, affordability, and priorities such as business, public safety, and education.
  • Democratic groups, including the Democratic Party of Illinois and the Democratic Governors Association, quickly attacked his announcement and highlighted his record on abortion and guns.
  • Campaign filings show minimal cash on hand and substantial debt as Bailey joins a GOP field that includes Ted Dabrowski and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, complicating his path to the nomination.