LOUISVILLE, IL – Darren Bailey, farmer, family man, and lifelong Illinoisan, Thursday announced his candidacy for Governor of Illinois, joined by his running mate Aaron Del Mar, Cook County Republican Chairman and respected business leader.

“Families are being crushed in Illinois,” Bailey said. “Under JB Pritzker, life has become less affordable, less safe, and less hopeful. That ends now. With Aaron Del Mar by my side, we’ll fight for every family—north and south, rural and urban—and restore hope to our state.”

The Bailey/Del Mar team will:

• Put Families First: Lower property taxes and utility bills so families can stay and thrive in Illinois.

• Protect Communities: Fully support law enforcement, repeal failed policies like the SAFE-T Act, and make every neighborhood safe again.

• Build Real Opportunity: Grow an economy that creates good-paying jobs and keeps students in Illinois, close to the families who love them.

• Lead with Integrity: End corruption in Springfield and give Illinoisans a government that serves them, not the political elite.

“This campaign is about three things: Taxes. Opportunity. Affordability,” Bailey said. “Illinois should be a place where families thrive, where businesses grow, where young people graduate and stay to build their future. Instead, we are a state people are running away from. We lead the nation in property taxes. We are second in the nation in gas taxes. We have the 6th highest in-state tuition costs. We are driving our students out to other states—and too often, they never come back.When I’m Governor, Illinois will be a beacon of opportunity again—a place where families stay, businesses grow, and young people want to build their future.”

Del Mar has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition for his leadership and service. He said he’s ready to help lead Illinois forward.

“Darren brings the heart of a farmer and the courage of a fighter,” Del Mar said. “I bring the business and organizational experience to help get Illinois growing again. Together, we’re building a team that can win—and serve the people of Illinois with honesty and strength.”

Bailey added: “Illinois doesn’t need more of JB Pritzker’s failures. We need leadership that puts people first. Together, Aaron and I will give Illinois families a reason to believe again.”

(Information provided to us by the Bailey/Del Mar campaign.)