PEORIA, Ill. — Former State Senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey celebrated the Fourth of July by revealing his plans to run for Congress, setting the stage for a primary battle against a GOP incumbent.
At his Clay County farm on Tuesday, Bailey announced he’s running for Congress next year in Illinois’ 12th District, which covers Southern Illinois. Republican Mike Bost currently holds that seat.
Bailey supports former President Trump’s campaign to win the presidency again in 2024. He said he will push back against a radical agenda that he believes is trying to undermine our values.
“I refuse to let this continue. I refuse to stand by while the radical left rips apart the very fabric of our society,” said Bailey.
“Together we must rise up and fight back against this assault on our freedoms,” he said.
About the current administration, Bailey said, “I have a message for Joe Biden, the radical left, and for every weak-kneed politician who prioritizes their next election over the next generation: You may underestimate the power of the American people, but you do so at your own peril. We are a force to be reckoned with, and we will hold you accountable. If you sell us out, we will send you home.”
Bailey takes credit for fighting Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s lockdowns and mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pritzker won a second, four-year term, defeating Bailey in the November 2022 election.
