There’s nothing that’s wrong with Illinois that can’t be fixed by some conservative common sense. I’ll fight for the working people, not the political elites. ~ Darren Bailey
Visit the Darren For Governor Website
The Issues
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.
Visit the Darren For Governor Website
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.
Visit the Darren For Governor Website
Visit the Darren For Governor Website
Meet Darren
A farmer, family man, and fellow citizen from rural Illinois, Darren Bailey’s conservative roots run deep.
Darren was born and raised in Louisville and is a proud third-generation farmer. Growing up on Bailey Family Farm, Darren learned at a young age what it means to work hard and earn an honest living. Today, Darren and his sons own and operate Bailey Family Farm. He grows corn, wheat, and soybeans, all while carrying on the traditions of one of America’s oldest occupations.
Darren is grounded in the conservative values of hard work, individual liberty, and social responsibility. He knows that these precious freedoms are threatened everyday by big government and powerful career politicians.
“Today, there is a political class that is ignoring our values and harming American families. Illinois needs a leader that is one of us.”
Darren Bailey has high hopes for Illinois and is running for Governor to protect the freedoms sacred to all that call the Land of Lincoln home. He will boldly and courageously stand for you, the citizen.
Darren is a graduate of North Clay High School and Lake Land College. He and his wife Cindy have always lived by the motto of faith, family, and farming. In 2016, along with running the family farm, they founded Full Armor Christian Academy, a preschool through grade 12 school that gives parents the option of a Christ-centered education for their children. Darren has dedicated countless hours to improving education in Illinois and served 17 years on the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education in Louisville, 12 years as President of the Board.
Visit the Darren For Governor Website
In 2018, Darren was called to serve in government, and elected to the Illinois House of Representatives 109th district. There he fought against tax hikes, reckless spending, and sanctuary state legislation. Darren currently represents the 55th district in the Illinois State Senate and with his lifelong background in the farming industry, is the lead Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee. As a State Senator, Darren refuses a legislative pension and makes tax relief for hardworking Illinoisans a top priority.
Darren has always been a strong advocate for his community and its agricultural roots. He is a member of the Louisville Rotary Club and Illinois Independent Business Federation, as well as the Illinois Wheat Association, National and State Corn Growers Association, National and State Soybean Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Farmers. Darren is also a lifetime member of the Farm Bureau and an alumnus of Future Farmers of America.
An avid outdoorsman, Darren is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and is a member of the Illinois State Rifle Association.
Darren lives on Bailey Family Farm near Louisville with his wife of 35 years, Cindy. They are the proud parents of four married children and grandparents of eleven grandchildren. Darren and Cindy attend Crossroots Church in Effingham.
