Education
Supports school funding, parental choice and resources for teachers.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.← Back to Illinois · GovernorSourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position
THE 2026 CANDIDATE FILE
Darren Bailey
Candidate for Governor · Illinois
Running mate: Aaron B. Del Mar
THE PERSON
Background
Darren Bailey is a farmer and former Illinois legislator. His campaign describes school-board service and founding a private Christian school with his wife.
Roots
- Farmer
- Former state representative and senator
- Former North Clay school-board member
- Private-school co-founder
Background sources checked October 30, 2026.
THE POLICIES
Where they stand
Campaign promises are labeled separately from past actions. These are sourced positions, not endorsements or predictions. No stance is assigned from party affiliation.
Public safety
Supports police training and resources and stricter accountability for repeat violent offenders.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Budget
Supports lower taxes and reduced spending.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Property taxes
Supports property-tax relief and government spending accountability; this page supplies no numerical relief formula.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.THE ELECTION
Ballot & sources
Governor · November 3, 2026
Candidate listing checked October 29, 2026.
Illinois State Board of Elections — 2026 general-election governor and lieutenant governor list ↗The candidate’s name and party follow the official ballot source. Backgrounds and issue positions are checked separately. A candidate is not an officeholder-elect unless a verified result establishes that status.