SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey, a candidate for Congressional District 12, has received an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.). He expressed his readiness to collaborate with Congresswoman Miller and former President Donald J. Trump. 

“I’m ready to fight with Congresswoman Mary Miller and President Donald J. Trump to drain the swamp and put America First," Bailey said on Facebook. "It’s time to take our country back!!!”

Miller is a representative of Illinois’ 15th District and is recognized on her website as a staunch advocate for conservative values in the House Committee on Agriculture and as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. A wife, mother, grandmother, local farmer, and graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Miller has pledged to champion families and farmers who are often neglected by D.C. insiders.

Miller's work ranges from drafting a Farm Bill to introducing legislation that protects farmland and challenges regulations. She manages a 4th generation family farm with her husband Chris. Her dedication to conservatism, family rights, and farmers solidifies her position as a resilient representative for the 15th District.

Bailey's competition comes from incumbent Mike Bost who has received significant support from Kevin McCarthy, former U.S. House Speaker from California who resigned following an event. McCarthy voiced his endorsement for Bost during a holiday gathering at Gibson’s Steakhouse in Oak Brook hosted by businessman Jay Bergman according to Politico’s Illinois Playbook.

McCarthy's message was clear; he suggested that Bailey should not pursue a congressional run. The event was arranged by oil magnate Jay Bergman, who is known for his bipartisan donations.

Bailey is not new to politics; he is a former state senator and the GOP candidate for 2022. He grew up on the Bailey Family Farm which he currently owns with his sons where they grow maize, wheat, and soybeans. The family business includes Bailey Family Grain, Bailey Family Freight, and BNB Excavating.

The Baileys express their deep connection to the southern Illinois land on their company website. 

“We are a 4th generation farming family dedicated to being good stewards of the land for our family and yours,” the Bailey Family Farm website reads. “Working together as a family has been essential to building a lasting heritage. Darren and Cindy Bailey, along with sons Zach, Cole, Mason and their families continue to carry on this tradition by 'living their dream' everyday."

Illinois’ 12 Congressional District encompasses numerous counties including Monroe, Randolph, Clinton among others as well as most of St. Clair County and half of Coles County. The seat has been held by Bost since 2015 according to GovTrack.