SE Illinois News

Former Republican candidate for governor, Darren Bailey, has announced his run for Congress in the 12th District of Southern Illinois, challenging incumbent Congressman Mike Bost in the primary. 

“Friends, I'm running to fight for Southern Illinois in Congress. Let us declare, with a resounding voice, that we will not allow our freedoms to be trampled upon. We will not be silenced. We will not surrender,” Bailey said on Facebook. “Together, we will take back our voice and our country. We will restore economic stability, create opportunities for growth and prosperity, secure our border and achieve American energy independence.” 

He promised to "push back against the radical agenda that seeks to undermine our values and restore freedom across our land," and "build a brighter future for ourselves, our children and future generations." Bailey, known for his conservative politics, emphasized his commitment to opposing what he referred to as "woke nonsense" during his campaign announcement, while Bost highlighted his fundraising success and conservative record as he prepares for the upcoming campaign season. 

“Friends, our nation’s at a crossroads,” Bailey said on the day of his announcement that he is running for Congress in the 12th District. “We find ourselves engulfed in a storm of woke nonsense, woke nonsense that seeks to divide us, woke nonsense that is eroding our values. It’s undermining our principles, the very principles that make this country the shining beacon of freedom and opportunity. But I want to tell you something, I refuse to let this continue.”

According to Politico, the contest, featuring two Trump-supporting conservatives, is expected to be a highly watched race in Illinois, with Bailey, a farmer endorsed by former President Donald Trump, aiming to secure the seat currently held by Bost, who is a five-term congressman and Marine Corps veteran also endorsed by Trump. In both the 2020 and 2016 elections, the 12th District voted in favor of Trump, with 56% to 41% in 2020 and 55% to 40% in 2016.

Bailey had said in recent weeks he was contemplating a possible primary challenge to Bost, ABC News reported. According to SE Illinois News, Bailey attended a Trump rally in New Jersey, showing his ongoing support for the former president. Bailey won Trump’s endorsement in the 2022 election. Bailey hopes to garner Trump's endorsement once again, as it could be advantageous in the primary race.