SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey has released a campaign video in his race for the 12th Congressional District. 

Bailey is a former state senator who was Illinois’s GOP gubernatorial nominee in 2022. 

“We will not back down!" Bailey said. "We have a country to save!”

The video features a speech by Bailey. 

“Friends, our nation's at a crossroads,” Bailey says in the video. “We find ourselves engulfed in a storm of 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 this shining beacon of freedom and opportunity. Together, we must rise up and fight back against this assault on our freedoms. So on this Independence Day, let us rekindle the flame of liberty that burns within each and every one of us right now. Let us declare with a resounding voice that we will not allow our freedoms to be trampled on."

The speech was an announcement of his candidacy.

“Friend, I stand here today as a fellow patriot who believes in our state and nation's boundless potential," Bailey said. " I am happy to announce my candidacy for United States Congress. Together, we will take back our country. We take back our voice. We will restore economic stability. We'll create opportunities for growth and prosperity. We will push back against the radical agenda that seeks to undermine our values and restore freedom across this entire land. Together, we will build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and future generations. Together, we will restore the American Dream. We will reignite the flame of liberty. And we will usher in a new era of prosperity that we've been waiting for for too long.”

On July 4 Bailey announced his candidacy for Congress in Southern Illinois' 12th District, challenging incumbent Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL) in the primary, SE Illinois News previously reported. Bailey, known for his conservative politics and endorsement by former President Donald Trump, emphasized his commitment to opposing "woke nonsense" and fighting for Southern Illinois' values and freedoms. The race is expected to be closely watched, with both candidates being Trump supporters in a district that voted for Trump in the 2020 and 2016 elections.

In a recent column, Rich Miller noted the rare primary challenge from former state legislator and gubernatorial candidate Bailey. Miller opined, Bailey is positioning himself as an outsider against career politician Bost. While Bost enjoys significant campaign funding and support from the National Republican Congressional Committee, Bailey's name recognition and far-right credentials could make the race competitive.