SE Illinois News

The November elections are right around the corner, and on Oct. 25 Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) visited the Drake Hotel to dine and meet with members of the community.

“Thank you to Jim and Tely Nagle, owners of The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook, for hosting Cindy and I at a wonderful impromptu breakfast alongside community leaders,” Bailey said on Facebook. “Your business is absolutely wonderful, and we look forward to working with you in making Illinois a better place for businesses to operate! #restoreillinois #standingwithyouin2022 #firepritzker."

Bailey, who is currently an Illinois state senator, won a race between six Republicans in the primary election in June. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bailey won with 57.4% of the vote compared to 15.7% for Jesse Sullivan and 15% for Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. This gives him a chance to face Democratic incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November. 

As the election nears, Bailey has been making the rounds to speak with voters throughout the state.

“My team and I had a great time working the Belmont train station platforms yesterday morning!” Bailey tweeted on Oct. 25. “We are connecting with voters in every place possible to Get Out The Vote! #firepritzker #restoreillinois #standingwithyouin2022"

Bailey is a strong proponent of fully reopening the economy and schools while attracting new businesses and creating jobs, according to his candidate website. He is a pro-life candidate and during his time in the state senate, he has voted against expanding abortion access in Illinois. He is also a supporter of the second amendment, as he is a member of the National Rifle Association and the Illinois State Rifle Association. Financially, he believes in fiscal responsibility and has vowed to work to lower property and income taxes. Bailey also runs on a platform to improve government transparency.

According to an Oct. 25 report by the Prairie State Wire, Bailey debated Pritzker and said the governor was wrong about his stance when it comes to gender-affirming treatments for children. He said he stands up for the rights of the LGBTQ community to make decisions for themselves and said people who feel they are transgender early should talk to a doctor, and also work with their parents on what is right for them.

“You believe that children at any age can make whatever decision for their health that they want to make?" Bailey asked Pritzker. "I believe parents have the best interests in mind for their children, and parents should be making that decision, not doctors or teachers or governors."