SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey, a candidate for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, recently reaffirmed his commitment to conservative values and expressed criticism towards his opponent, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.). Bailey conveyed that he does not rely on polls to determine his values and promised to advocate for freedoms, the rule of law, and the hardworking constituents of the district.

“I have and will always stand up for our freedoms and the rule of law,” Bailey said on Facebook. “And I will always fight for the hardworking people of our district because it’s who I am, what I believe, and what I will do for our district if given the opportunity to fight for our families in Washington.”

In a press release linked by Bailey, he underscored the perceived shortcomings of Bost. He claimed that Bost’s vote to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was “too little too late.”

“Mike Bost voted to grant amnesty citizenship to approximately 1.8 million illegal immigrants and is only now seeing the problems we are having with people coming into our country illegally? Enough is enough,” Bailey said in the press release.

He further contended that actions by "status quo Republicans" like Bost symbolize ineffective leadership, referring to them as part of the "Mike Bost/John Kasich wing of the party." Bailey accused Bost of being a poster child for leading from behind and emphasized the need for bold leadership that listens and stands up for constituents in the 12th District.

U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), ousted former U.S. House Speaker, has notably shown support for Bost. According to Politico’s Illinois Playbook, McCarthy headlined a holiday party at Gibson’s Steakhouse in Oak Brook, hosted by businessman and political donor Jay Bergman. During this event, McCarthy expressed support for Congressman Mike Bost, suggesting that Bailey should not be running for Congress. The holiday party was hosted by Jay Bergman, an oil man and investor who has donated to both Republicans and Democrats. McCarthy was invited by Richard Porter, a national committeeman of the Republican Party.

Bailey, a former state senator and representative who contested against Gov. J.B. Pritzker for the governorship in 2022, is running a grassroots campaign as reported by SE Illinois News.

Illinois’ 12th Congressional District encompasses numerous counties including Monroe, Randolph, Clinton, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson, and Williamson among others as well as most of St. Clair County and half of Coles County.

Bost has held the seat since 2015 according to GovTrack.