Darren Bailey

Darren Bailey was born and lives in Louisville, Illinois. Bailey graduated from North Clay High School. He earned an associate degree in agricultural production from Lake Land College.[1][2][3]

Bailey's career experience includes owning Bailey Family Farm, working as a farmer, and in trucking and excavating. He has been a member of the North Clay School Board, the Farm Bureau, the Illinois State Rifle Association, the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, and the Illinois Independent Business Federation.[1][2][3]

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Campaign websiteBailey's campaign website stated the following:Ensuring Quality Education for Every ChildDarren Bailey believes that every child in Illinois—no matter their zip code—deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. As governor, he will fight to ensure that our schools are fully funded, empower parents to make the best choices for their children, and support teachers with the resources they need to succeed. Darren knows that strong schools build strong communities, and he’s committed to removing bureaucratic barriers so local educators and families can focus on what matters most: helping kids thrive.Protecting Our CommunitiesDarren Bailey is committed to restoring law and order and making our neighborhoods safe again. As governor, he will stand with law enforcement, not against them—providing the tools, training, and support officers need to do their jobs effectively. Darren will work to hold violent criminals accountable, crack down on repeat offenders, and stop policies that put politics ahead of public safety. Every family in Illinois deserves to feel safe in their homes, schools, and communities—and Darren Bailey will make sure they do.Making Illinois Affordable AgainDarren Bailey knows that hardworking families across Illinois are struggling under the weight of high taxes, rising utility bills, and skyrocketing costs of living. As governor, he will fight to lower taxes, cut wasteful government spending, and bring real fiscal responsibility back to Springfield. Darren will champion policies that put more money back in the pockets of everyday Illinoisans, support small businesses, and attract new jobs to our state. It’s time to make Illinois a place where families can afford to live, work, and thrive again.Property TaxesNo family should ever pay more in property taxes than their mortgage—but in Illinois, countless families do. That’s unacceptable. Families are being taxed out of their homes while politicians in Springfield keep raising spending and passing the bill to taxpayers. Darren Bailey will fight to rein in government waste, demand accountability, and deliver real tax relief. Because homeownership should be a blessing—not a burden.— Darren Bailey's campaign website (February 18, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Darren Bailey did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Darren Bailey did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Bailey's campaign website stated the following:

Reopening the Economy & Schools

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Darren led the charge against sweeping executive orders that shuttered Illinois businesses, collapsed the economy, and deprived hardworking Illinoisans of their livelihoods. A complete return to normalcy is a top priority for Darren.

As Governor, he will work to fully reopen the economy and our schools, attract new business, and fuel job creation in Illinois.

Pro-Life

As a man of faith, Darren is proudly pro-life and will always stand up to protect the rights of the unborn. Darren believes in the sanctity of life, and as a state legislator, voted against the extreme overhaul and expansion of abortion access in Illinois. Darren opposes state and taxpayer funding of abortions.

As Governor, he will continue to defend innocent life.

Second Amendment

Darren is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and an advocate for the constitutional right to bear arms. In the Illinois State Senate, Darren voted against sweeping gun control legislation. Darren is an advocate on behalf of gun owners in Illinois and believes that education is crucial for those opposed to gun rights. As an avid outdoorsman himself, he is a proud member of both the National Rifle Association and the Illinois State Rifle Association, as well as Guns Save Life.

As Governor, he will continue to protect the Second Amendment.

Education

Darren, along with his wife, founded a preschool through grade 12 Christian school in southern Illinois and he understands the importance of access to quality education. Darren served for 17 years on the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education–12 years as board president–and knows the challenges faced by public schools in Illinois. He is currently a member of the Education Committee in the Illinois State Senate, where he works to find responsible solutions to education funding gaps across the state.

As Governor, he will advocate for common sense education reforms that put our children first.

Taxes

Darren firmly believes in fiscal responsibility and knows that every penny matters. Raising taxes hurts hardworking Illinois families and is not a solution for a state with some of the highest tax burdens in the entire nation. In the state legislature, Darren has fought against tax hikes and reckless spending and advocated for more business-friendly policies.

As Governor, he will work to lower both property and income taxes.

Agriculture

Darren is a third-generation farmer who owns and operates his own family farm today. He knows that agriculture is the backbone of Illinois’ economy and understands firsthand the issues facing the industry. In the Illinois State Senate, Darren serves as the lead Republican on the Agriculture Committee, shaping policies that help support one of America’s oldest and most valuable occupations.

As Governor, he will stand up for his fellow, hardworking farmers.

Government Transparency

Darren Bailey fights for the working people, not the political elites. As a legislator, he refuses state pension benefits and believes that perks for elected officials only contribute to wasteful spending problems. Darren strongly supports and advocates for term limits to prevent career politicians from advancing their own agendas, rather than what is best for Illinois.

As Governor, he will promote transparency and ensure safeguards against powerful government overreach.[4]

—Darren Bailey's campaign website (2022)[5]

Darren Bailey did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.