Former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin is endorsing Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker for reelection, saying he cannot support Republican gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey.
Durkin, who led House Republicans for a decade, said he remains a Republican and intends to support other Republican candidates in November. However, he said Bailey’s positions are too extreme and could further damage the Republican Party’s ability to attract moderate voters, particularly in the Chicago suburbs.
Durkin and Bailey have had a contentious political relationship for years. Durkin said Bailey represents what he views as the state GOP’s movement away from a “big tent” approach on issues including abortion, gun rights and LGBTQ rights. Pritzker welcomed the endorsement, acknowledging that he and Durkin have disagreed on numerous issues but saying they have mutual respect.
Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, dismissed the endorsement as “internal politics” and suggested Durkin’s opposition stems partly from his past conflicts with Bailey. Del Mar also argued Bailey has evolved on policy and is focusing his campaign on issues with broader voter support.
Durkin rejected that argument, pointing to Bailey’s previous positions and saying he does not believe the Republican nominee has substantially changed. Durkin also dismissed independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett as not being a serious alternative. He said he views another Bailey candidacy as a greater threat to the long-term health of the Illinois Republican Party and, for that reason, will support Pritzker.