Bailey Will Remain in Governor's Race
Then-Sen. Darren Bailey, the 2022 GOP nominee for Governor, participates in a gubernatorial debate at WGN-TV in Chicago. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
In an emotional video posted on his social media pages Monday, former State Senator and 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee, Darren Bailey announced he was staying in the race after the tragic deaths of his son, daughter-in-law, and two of his grandchildren.
The announcement confirms our reporting from last month that Bailey intended to stay in the race.
Speaking directly to camera next to his wife, Cindy, Bailey called the tragedy of the Montana helicopter crash that killed Zach, Kelsey, and their children Vada Rose and Samuel. A third child, Finn, was not on the helicopter that crashed and has been taken in by Darren and Cindy Bailey.
“The last two weeks have been the hardest days of our lives,” he said. “But your prayers, your messages and your love have carried us and we are so grateful.”
Bailey had been rumored to be considering exiting the race, but we’re told a call from President Donald Trump helped encourage him to stay in the contest.
“President Trump recently called and he told me, ‘Darren, keep fighting. Don’t back down.’ That’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Bailey said in the video. “We’ve all been through tough times, but what makes Illinois special are the people who don’t quit.”
Sources say Bailey will likely stay away from the campaign trail for the next few weeks, potentially until the first of the year, ceding many of his public events to running mate Aaron Del Mar, the Cook County GOP Chairman.
