In an exclusive interview with ABC7 Chicago, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Darren Bailey opened up for the first time about the heartbreaking helicopter crash that claimed the lives of four family members in October.

Bailey had temporarily stepped away from his campaign responsibilities to grieve but has since returned with renewed determination.

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Running as a Republican in Illinois presents a significant challenge, given the state’s political landscape. However, Bailey remains confident in his ability to make a difference. The recent family tragedy has been a profound loss, yet it has fueled his resolve to pursue meaningful change.

“It’s incredibly difficult, and it’s been a life-altering experience,” Bailey shared. “But one of the most significant outcomes has been a revitalized passion for life.”

Six weeks ago, a devastating helicopter crash in Montana took the lives of his son, Zach; daughter-in-law, Kelsey; and two grandchildren, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel. Notably, 10-year-old Finn was not on the flight.

Tragically, Zach was the one piloting the helicopter.

“I’ve never lost anyone close to me, you know, especially anyone, even unexpectedly like this. So, my compassion for people has also kind of been heightened,” Bailey said.

Bailey remembers getting the news while campaigning in Freeport, Illinois.

“You see in movies, sometimes how everything is in slow motion. As I think back to that, that’s exactly what, that’s exactly how my mind is playing out,” he said.

Bailey and his wife then rushed to Montana to break the news to their grandson, Finn.

“He just looked up, and he said, ‘papa, what are you doing here?’ So I just said, ‘well, grandma, honey, and I wanted to come out and see you, to come outside and get your shoes on, and she’s waiting in the car for you,’” he said. “Soon as he opened the door and saw Cindy, he knew what was going on. So just to watch that set of emotions that took place then was just, was just, I’ll never forget that.”

They got Finn a new puppy, a golden lab named Reagan, to replace the dog who died in the helicopter crash.

“We’re just staying busy doing things and just regaining a new appreciation for everyone. This puppy, I can already tell you, is going to be, is going to be solidify things even more,” Bailey said.

The tragedy drew his downstate Illinois family closer despite the void at Thanksgiving.

Bailey and his wife, Cindy, are now raising their grandson, Finn, with the help of other family members, who he says support his second campaign for governor.

Bailey lost by more than 12 points to incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022. This time he’s learned some lessons.

“Probably one of the big things that we learned is, is targeting the low-propensity voter and informing them and making things available to help them understand whether to vote early. Do we need to come and pick you up?” Bailey said.

Bailey remains a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump despite harsh Democratic criticism of the president’s policies, including the aggressive immigration enforcement campaign in Chicago and the suburbs.

Trump endorsed Bailey in 2022.

“I think that if JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson, if they would have addressed this years ago, if they would choose to work with President Trump, I don’t know that we would have seen these issues,” Bailey said. “He’s the president. And I think that in time, I think that many of his policies are going to prove to be the right thing that’s going on.”

And that includes President Trump’s tariffs on soybeans, which Bailey says are a means to an end to help farmers.

Bailey also supports using the National Guard to battle crime in Chicago if that’s what it takes.

Bailey says he’s sorry if anyone thinks he’s trying to use this tragedy to help his campaign.

He says what it is for him is a motivation to try and make Illinois a better place for his 11 grandchildren, and a 12th one now on the way.

Bailey is one of seven candidates currently running for the Republican nomination, with the primary next March.