‘We represent the entire state:’ Del Mar joins Bailey on GOP governor’s ticket
A suburban-rural matchup is shaking up the Illinois gubernatorial race with Republicans Aaron Del Mar and Darren Bailey entering the race as a team.
Conservative farmer Bailey from downstate Xenia, who contested Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022, will head the ticket. Del Mar will take another shot at lieutenant governor, the Palatine resident confirmed Wednesday.
“I bring a deep understanding of what matters most to voters in Chicago and the suburbs, while Darren brings the perspective and values of southern and central Illinois,” said Del Mar, the Cook County GOP Chair and Palatine Township’s highway commissioner.
“Together, we represent the entire state.”
A formal announcement is planned Sept. 25.
Democrat Pritzker easily defeated Bailey, a former state senator, in 2022 and is running from reelection next year. But he’s also rumored to be considering a presidential bid. That would redefine the political landscape, although it remains uphill battle for a Republican slate in a blue state.
“We are focused on lowering taxes, bringing jobs and businesses back to Illinois, restoring public safety, and ensuring every child has access to a quality education,” Del Mar said. “What we won’t do is push a national social-issue agenda — our priority is fixing Illinois.”
“Darren and I are focused on the real needs of Illinois families — not chasing national headlines. We’re taking an Illinois First approach to bring common-sense solutions back home,” he added.
Del Mar is an Illinois Republican State Central Committee member who was businessman Gary Rabine’s running mate in the 2022 primary.
His father, a mechanical engineer, immigrated from the Philippines. His mother is a retired nurse of German/Swedish descent who grew up on Chicago’s South Side.
Other GOP gubernatorial candidates include DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, former 10th District Congressional candidate Joe Severino of Lake Forest and conservative media writer Ted Dabrowski of Wilmette.
Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner announced Sunday he is considering a run as a Republican, but has yet to formally enter the race.