BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) -- Former State Senator Darren Bailey has announced he is running for Illinois governor in 2026.

Bailey officially launched his campaign Thursday with a series of events in Carterville, Bloomington, and Oak Brook. He was joined by his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, the former chair of the Cook County GOP.

Bailey said his campaign will focus on affordability, opportunity, and what he described as “common-sense leadership.”

“Taxes are too high, opportunity doesn’t exist, our children are moving out of the state, and people just can’t afford to live and work here. Pritzker caused all that, and I think we’re going to bring the cure,” Bailey said.

During remarks in Bloomington, Bailey contrasted this campaign with his 2022 run, saying this time it is about “giving vot

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