Less than three weeks after a devastating helicopter crash claimed the lives of his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, Darren Bailey announced late Monday that he will continue his campaign for governor of Illinois.
“After a lot of prayer and reflection, Cindy and I have decided we’re staying in this race for governor — not for politics, but for every family trying to make it in a state that’s lost its way, for every parent who dreams of a better future for their children and for every Illinoisan who knows that we can do better,” Bailey said in a nearly three-minute video posted to his social media accounts. In the video, Bailey, joined by his wife Cindy, expressed gratitude for the support they have received and reiterated their commitment to the campaign’s mission.
Bailey shared that he received encouragement from former President Donald Trump to “keep fighting” and stay in the race. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Bailey said. “So I’m asking you: stand with us, pray with us, fight with us. Together, we can bring back common sense, honesty and leadership that serves real people again. Together, we will save Illinois’ future.”
The tragic helicopter crash occurred on October 22 in Montana, killing Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and two grandchildren, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel. The couple’s 10-year-old son, Finn, was not on board. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.
Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, told reporters shortly after the crash that Bailey was taking time to consider his future in the campaign. Bailey, a farmer and former state legislator, previously won the 2022 GOP nomination for governor but lost to Democratic Governor JB Pritzker by nearly 13 percentage points. He also lost a 2024 Republican primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost by fewer than 3,000 votes.
Despite the recent tragedy, Bailey enters the 2026 Republican primary as the frontrunner against six lesser-known candidates, including former conservative thinktank executive Ted Dabrowski, video gambling magnate Rick Heidner, and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. Governor Pritzker is seeking a third term as the state’s chief executive.
Bailey acknowledged that the past few weeks “have been the hardest days of our lives,” but said the outpouring of support and their faith have helped sustain them. “The tragedy changed our lives forever, but it also reminded us why we fight,” Bailey said. “We’ve all been through tough times, but what makes Illinois special are the people who don’t quit, the ones who work hard, help their neighbors and believe tomorrow can be better. That’s who I’m fighting for.”
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