Sources: Bailey Staying in Governor's Race
Then-Sen. Darren Bailey campaigns for Governor in 2022. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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Since the tragic death of former senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law, and two of his grandchildren in a helicopter crash last week, questions about the future of Bailey’s campaign have persisted.
Rumors swirled Monday, even as Bailey’s campaign filed petitions to get on the March ballot, that Bailey may not stay in the race.
But, sources close to the Bailey campaign tell The Illinoize while Bailey is planning to take time off the campaign trail over the next few weeks or months, he is definitely staying in the race.
Bailey and his wife, Cindy, have assumed guardianship of Zach and Kelsey Bailey’s third child, 10-year-old Finn, who was not on the helicopter that crashed.
“It’s an incredibly difficult time for their family,” said the source close to the family. “And it’s going to take some time.”
We’re told Bailey received a 25-minute call from President Donald Trump this weekend offering his condolences and encouraging Bailey to stay in the race.
The Bailey campaign declined to comment.
Sources say Bailey will likely be off the campaign trail until around the first of the year and will cede many campaign appearances to his running mate, Aaron Del Mar. Bailey is expected to resume a campaign schedule late this year or in January.
