Article Summary

Former State Sen. Darren Bailey will announce a second campaign for governor, according to sources close to Bailey.

Cook County Republican Party Chair Aaron Del Mar will be Bailey’s running mate, according to a source.

Bailey lost the 2022 election to Gov. JB Pritzker by 13 points after a strong showing in the Republican primary. He later lost a race to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Bost.

Bailey would likely be the fourth person to announce plans to challenge Pritzker this year.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

Darren Bailey plans to run for governor for a second time in 2026, Capitol News Illinois confirmed with sources close to the campaign.

The former state senator and farmer from Clay County would beco

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