Illinois Governor Race Remains Intact Despite Devastating Helicopter Crash Tragedy
Republican candidate Darren Bailey has announced that he will continue his bid for Illinois governor despite a devastating family tragedy. Just two weeks ago, the state legislator's son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana.
Bailey, who lost to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker by almost 13 percentage points in the 2022 general election, has cited his campaign as a source of strength and motivation in the face of grief. In a heart-wrenching video posted on social media, Bailey expressed his gratitude for the prayers and messages that have supported him during this difficult time.
"The last two weeks have been some of the hardest days of my life," Bailey said. "But we're hurting, but we're leaning on our faith, our family, and the prayers and support so many of you have shared. It truly means more than we can say."
Bailey's decision to stay in the race was reportedly influenced by a phone call from former President Donald Trump, who urged him to "keep fighting" and not back down.
With this tragedy weighing heavily on his mind, Bailey still sees an opportunity to effect change in the state. "Zach and Kelsey believed in an Illinois where families could build a future without being crushed by bad government and broken promises," he said. "So do we."
Bailey is among seven Republican candidates vying for the party's nomination this time around, including Wirepoints researcher Ted Dabrowski, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and video gambling mogul Rick Heidner.
The Illinois governor primary is set to take place on March 17, 2026. However, several candidates are facing obstacles due to petition objections, which could potentially disqualify them from appearing on the ballot.
Republican candidate Darren Bailey has announced that he will continue his bid for Illinois governor despite a devastating family tragedy. Just two weeks ago, the state legislator's son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana.
Bailey, who lost to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker by almost 13 percentage points in the 2022 general election, has cited his campaign as a source of strength and motivation in the face of grief. In a heart-wrenching video posted on social media, Bailey expressed his gratitude for the prayers and messages that have supported him during this difficult time.
"The last two weeks have been some of the hardest days of my life," Bailey said. "But we're hurting, but we're leaning on our faith, our family, and the prayers and support so many of you have shared. It truly means more than we can say."
Bailey's decision to stay in the race was reportedly influenced by a phone call from former President Donald Trump, who urged him to "keep fighting" and not back down.
With this tragedy weighing heavily on his mind, Bailey still sees an opportunity to effect change in the state. "Zach and Kelsey believed in an Illinois where families could build a future without being crushed by bad government and broken promises," he said. "So do we."
Bailey is among seven Republican candidates vying for the party's nomination this time around, including Wirepoints researcher Ted Dabrowski, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and video gambling mogul Rick Heidner.
The Illinois governor primary is set to take place on March 17, 2026. However, several candidates are facing obstacles due to petition objections, which could potentially disqualify them from appearing on the ballot.
that's so tough for Darren Bailey and his family, but I gotta admit, his determination is pretty inspiring 
. Staying in the race despite losing people he loves is not easy. It's a big risk, but if it means making a difference in Illinois... 
. Trump's call of "keep fighting" must mean a lot to him right now 
. Bailey's words about Zach and Kelsey believing in an Illinois where families can build a future without bad government is really resonating with me 
. It's like, his heartbreak is fueling a fire for change 
. Will it be enough to turn things around? Only time will tell 
.
The guy's family just got brutally murdered in a helicopter crash and he still wants to run for governor? Like, I get it that politicians have thick skin, but that's some next level stuff right there 
. At the same time, I kinda admire his grit – it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like that after going through something so traumatic 
.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out. March 17, 2026 can't come soon enough 
!
. But at the same time, I'm kinda surprised he's still running 
. Like, isn't this gonna be too much to handle? 
. But maybe Bailey sees this as his chance to make a difference, like he said 
. Fingers crossed for him, though - I just hope he can stay on track and put his family first 
.
4 me tho, id be like "bailey ur doin it fer ther kidz" but whatever... I guess itz all good cuz hes not losin tho 
. His son and daughter-in-law were more than just family members, they were his everything 
. It's heartbreaking that some people would be thinking about the election over his personal loss 
#StayStrongDarren #GovernorRacing #KeepFightingTheGoodFight 
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. Bailey's story is really inspiring, and it's making me think about my own struggles in life. What can I do to make a difference when things get tough? How can I choose to see the opportunities for change instead of getting bogged down by negativity? 
Still can't believe this tragedy happened. Guess that's just how life goes sometimes... 