Darren Bailey Announces Bid for Congress, Sets Up Intense Republican Primary Battle in Illinois’ 12th District

Darren Bailey, who was rejected by Illinois voters in his bid for governor, has announced his candidacy for Congress in the state’s 12th District. This sets up a fierce Republican primary battle against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Bost. Bailey’s announcement comes a year after a controversial Facebook post he made during a mass shooting, urging people to “move on and let’s celebrate.” Despite this stumble, Bailey vows to fight against what he calls “woke nonsense” and the erosion of American values.

Bailey’s campaign announcement did not directly mention Bost or the potential for a contentious primary contest. Instead, he focused on the need for unity and restoration of common sense and traditional values. However, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has made it clear that the GOP establishment is backing Bost, who has been a reliable supporter of McCarthy.

Bailey’s opposition to gun control, pandemic mandates, and abortion and LGBTQ+ rights resonated with Republican primary voters during his gubernatorial campaign. He won the GOP nomination with over 57% of the vote and received a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump. However, his conservative positions on social issues did not fare well with voters in the more populous areas of the state.

Bailey lost the general election for governor to Democratic incumbent J.B. Pritzker, receiving only 42.4% of the vote. Now, he is running in a firmly Republican district and hopes to challenge Bost. The 12th Congressional District covers a large portion of southern Illinois and Bailey won 72% of the vote in that district during the gubernatorial race.

Bost, a Marine Corps veteran and former state legislator, has been a strong supporter of Trump and received his endorsement for reelection to Congress last year. Since winning election in 2014, Bost has only faced primary opposition once and won with 83.5% of the vote.

Bailey’s campaign has reported $29,394 in his state campaign fund, along with over $316,000 in debts. However, he cannot use these funds for his congressional campaign

How might Darren Bailey’s conservative positions on social issues impact his chances of winning in the more populated areas of the 12th Congressional District?

Darren Bailey, who was unsuccessful in his bid for governor of Illinois, has announced his candidacy for Congress in the state’s 12th District. This will set up a competitive Republican primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Bost. Bailey’s announcement comes a year after a controversial Facebook post during a mass shooting, but he remains committed to his fight against what he perceives as “woke nonsense” and the erosion of American values.

Although Bailey’s campaign announcement did not explicitly mention Bost or the potential for a contentious primary race, he emphasized the importance of unity and restoring common sense and traditional values. However, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has made it clear that the GOP establishment supports Bost, who has consistently backed McCarthy.

Bailey’s opposition to gun control, pandemic mandates, and abortion and LGBTQ+ rights resonated with Republican primary voters during his bid for governor. He secured the GOP nomination with over 57% of the vote and received a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump. However, his conservative positions on social issues did not fare well with voters in more populated areas of the state.

During the general election, Bailey lost to Democratic incumbent J.B. Pritzker, receiving only 42.4% of the vote. Now, he is running in a district that heavily favors Republicans and is hoping to challenge Bost. The 12th Congressional District encompasses a significant portion of southern Illinois, where Bailey secured 72% of the vote in his gubernatorial race.

Bost, a Marine Corps veteran and former state legislator, has been a staunch supporter of Trump and received his endorsement for re-election to Congress last year. Since winning his seat in 2014, Bost has faced primary opposition only once and emerged victorious with 83.5% of the vote.

Bailey’s campaign currently has $29,394 in his state campaign fund, but he has over $316,000 in debts that cannot be used for his congressional campaign.