Trump’s Late Endorsement Complicates Bailey’s Strategy in Illinois Governor’s Race
President Donald Trump’s surprise endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has intensified the 2026 Illinois race. While Bailey attempts to distance himself from the president to appeal to suburban voters, Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker is leveraging the endorsement to highlight Bailey’s past loyalty to Trump. The race remains heavily favored by Pritzker, who is outspending Bailey and benefiting from Trump’s low approval ratings in the state.