(The Center Square) – Among the hundreds of candidates who filed to get on the March primary ballot were Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar, looking to get the Republican nomination for governor and lieutenant governor to take on incumbent Democrat J.B. Pritzker.
More than 400 candidates filed for the March 17 primary for various offices. The general election is in November 2026. Among the offices up for grabs is Illinois governor.
In the Springfield line Monday to turn in signatures, Del Mar said the Bailey family continues to grieve last week’s tragic loss of their son, and most of his son’s family, in a helicopter crash.
“Our supporters are really, really with us,” Del Mar told The Center Square. “They’re supportive if we run, they’re supportive if we don’t run, everybody understands. It’s been a very trying time for the Bailey family, for the campaign itself. But we are so touched by everyone that’s reached out.”
Bailey ran against Pritzker as the GOP nominee in 2022.
Showing up to turn in his petitions, Pritzker spoke with Del Mar in the parking lot of the Illinois State Board of Elections. Pritzker told reporters he continues to send condolences.
“The kinds of things that people go through when they lose family members and particularly when you lose a son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, I only know that it’s going to take time,” Pritzker told reporters.
Services for Bailey’s son Zach, daughter in-law Kelsey and grandchildren Vada Rose and Samuel are set for this weekend. Finn, Bailey’s 10-year-old grandson, was not on the helicopter and is safe, the campaign said.
DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick also filed petitions for the GOP nod Monday. Ted Dabrowski filed and said Pritzker needs to go.
“We’re spending $16 billion more today than we were spending when Pritzker took office,” Dabrowski, formerly with The Illinois Policy Institute and most recently government watchdog Wirepoints, said. “Sixteen billion, 40% more. And the state government is still out of money. We need to really expose where all that money is.”
Pritzker was the only Democrat to file for governor Monday, as of midday. He wouldn’t commit to serving the entire four years if elected to a third term.
“What I can commit to you is that I’m going to work very hard every single day that I’m in office for the people of Illinois,” Pritzker said. “And every decision that I make is really about what’s best for the people of Illinois.”
Speculation that Pritzker is looking to make a run for the White House has followed the governor for years.
Those seeking either the Republican or Democratic nomination for elected office on the general election ballot have until next Monday to file petitions. Candidates must then survive any potential challenges for ballot access.
