President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Darren Bailey in Illinois’s 2026 governor’s race, backing his attempt to unseat Democratic Governor JB Pritzker.
The endorsement gives Bailey the support of the White House as he prepares for a rematch with Mr Pritzker, who is seeking a third term as governor. Bailey secured the Republican nomination in March after winning a four-way primary.
Mr Trump previously endorsed Bailey before the 2022 election, when the Republican was defeated by Mr Pritzker by almost 13 percentage points.
Bailey, a former state senator and farmer from southern Illinois, has campaigned on lowering costs, reducing government spending and challenging the Democratic leadership in Springfield.
The endorsement comes as Bailey seeks to broaden his appeal beyond the Republican strongholds of downstate Illinois and make gains in the Chicago area and its suburbs.
