Darren Bailey to take on Gov. JB Pritzker again in 2026 Illinois governor race, with Aaron Del Mar as running mate
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — After defeating Republican Darren Bailey in the 2022 gubernatorial election, Gov. JB Pritzker may face him again, as the former state senator reportedly plans to run once more, according to the Cook County Republican Party chairman’s announcement on Tuesday.

Since his 2022 run, Bailey has stayed close to President Donald Trump, attending rallies and speaking highly of the president.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Bailey also lost the congressional race in 2024 against U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.

Cook County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Del Mar said he will be his running mate.

“Two influential conservative figures are joining forces to bring together Republicans throughout Illinois. Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar are forming a partnership to connect downstate and suburban conservatives, invigorate our grassroots efforts, and provide voters with a clear alternative to the unsuccessful policies of J.B. Pritzker and Brandon Johnson. This ticket symbolizes unity, strength, and a dedication to restoring public safety, reducing taxes, and making Illinois a place where families and businesses can prosper once more,” the campaign stated.

Pritzker previously announced he will run for reelection, with former state Rep. Christian Mitchell as his running mate.

He is the first Illinois governor since the late former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson to seek a third consecutive term.

Over the past months, there has been a lot of speculation over whether the governor might run for president.

“I’m running for governor of Illinois: That is four more years,” Pritzker said.

Joseph Severino is also running as a Republican, with Rantch Isquith as a running mate.

Ted Dabrowski, president of the conservative research group Wirepoints, also announced his candidacy.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick also announced his candidacy.

Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner announced Sunday that he may run as a Republican in 2026.

Gartner called this an exploratory move, and says he remains fully committed to being mayor of Antioch.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Teen charged with murder after allegedly killing two girls in deadly hit-and-run crash: prosecutor

Teen Accused of Murder After Fatal Hit-and-Run Kills Two Girls, According to Prosecutor

Two teen girls were killed in a hit-and-run incident in New Jersey…
JSO: Teen killed in hit-and-run crash on Arlington Road

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office: Teenager Dies in Arlington Road Hit-and-Run Accident

A pedestrian noticed a teenager lying unresponsive along Arlington Road North, according…
Broadview ICE facility protest: Neurodivergent man Paul Ivery released from custody pending trial after arrest at detention center

Neurodivergent Activist Paul Ivery Released After Arrest at Broadview ICE Facility Protest

CHICAGO (WLS) — Another individual among the group of five facing charges…
Class back in session as 'Abbott Elementary' returns for fifth season on ABC

“Abbott Elementary” Kicks Off Its Fifth Season on ABC

HOLLYWOOD — “Abbott Elementary” is getting ready for the start of its…
Gas explosion causes partial collapse of high-rise apartment building in New York City's Bronx neighborhood, no injuries reported

Gas Blast Triggers Partial Collapse of High-Rise in Bronx, NYC; No Reported Injuries

NEW YORK — A gas explosion erupted in an apartment building in…
BMW recalls over 145,000 vehicles for fire risk

BMW Issues Recall for Over 145,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard

BMW is recalling more than 145,000 vehicles due to starter motor overheating…
Trump remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un as South Korea warns of North Korean missile reach

Trump Open to Dialogue with Kim Jong Un Amid South Korean Alerts About North Korean Missile Capabilities

President Donald Trump is willing to have discussions with North Korean leader…

Jacksonville Mother Pursues Justice Following Daughter’s Tragic Hit-and-Run Death

Shardae Webber demands justice after a vehicle struck and killed her 13-year-old…
Robert Irwin on shirtless 'Dancing With the Stars' performance and influx of messages from American girls

Robert Irwin’s Shirtless ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Routine Sparks Attention from American Fans

Robert Irwin is feeling like a million bucks. The wildlife conservationist chatted…
Chicago immigration raids: Family 'unlawfully' detained by ICE at Millennium Park now separated, court filing argues

Chicago Immigration Raid: Court Documents Allege Family Detained ‘Illegally’ by ICE at Millennium Park Now Divided

CHICAGO (WLS) — The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) has taken legal…
Portland police seek public's help after 'safe space' officer loses track of assault suspect near ICE facility

Portland Police Request Public Assistance After ‘Safe Space’ Officer Loses Assault Suspect Near ICE Facility

The police are asking for help from the public to locate a…
Two Delta regional jets collide on taxiway at LaGuardia Airport; 1 injured

Two Delta Regional Jets Collide on LaGuardia Airport Taxiway; One Person Injured

Two Canadair jets operated by Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air…