In the most expensive race in Illinois history, and one that is on track to be the most expensive non-presidential race in history, NBC News projects that state Sen. Darren Bailey won the Republican nomination in the primary election. Illinois on Tuesday and will face Democrats. incumbent JB Pritzker in the race for governor in November.
With 98% of districts reporting, Bailey received 57% of the vote. Far behind Bailey is Republican candidate Jesse Sullivan, with only 16% of the vote.
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Governor – Republican
98% informant
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In his acceptance speech, Bailey pointed to Pritzker on numerous fronts, saying he does not understand the plight of ordinary Illinois residents and that the Republican campaign will focus on making life easier for residents of the state.
“Illinois has problems. Decade after decade of mismanagement, and consecutive multimillion-dollar governors who don’t understand workers’ struggles,” he said. “And where has that taken us? People and businesses coming out of Illinois en masse, looking for work, affordable housing, lower taxes and better opportunities. They’re leaving because Springfield and the political elites have failed us all. “
Bailey, who was elected to Xenia’s state senate, received significant support from the bottom of the state and a coveted endorsement from former President Donald Trump in the later stages of the primary cycle.
Bailey defended a crowded field of six Republican candidates that also included Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who was one of the campaign’s top favorites after using $ 50 million in donations from Illinois billionaire Ken Griffin to buy a lot of TV ads.
Bailey in the general election now faces Democratic incumbent Pritzker, who swept Tuesday in the Illinois primary election for governor, winning 92 percent of the vote with 98 percent of the districts.
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Governor – Democrat
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With the Democratic nomination for a second term secured, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker targeted Bailey and the Republican Party Tuesday night, attacking what he called “radical right” extremism as it began in earnest. his campaign for the general election.
“Democrats play by the rules. We respect our democracy. We honor the results of our elections,” he said. “We want to believe that surely the GOP can unite with us and agree on common sense things that will make life easier and better for most Americans. But it seems that lately, every time we extend one hand to the other side by side, we find ourselves in contempt and feel like Charlie Brown looking back at Lucy holding the football.
Pritzker also devoted himself to criticizing the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn women’s right to abortion and emphasized her fight for abortion rights as part of her platform.
“In the face of what is happening today in this country, in the face of what the Supreme Court and the radical right are trying to do to the fundamental rights of all Americans, we owe something to our children and grandchildren. We owe it to them to win.” he said.
Who is Darren Bailey? Meet the alleged Republican candidate for governor of Illinois
Bailey, 56, served in the Illinois House for a term before running for the state Senate in District 55, defeating Democrat Cynthia Given in 2020.
It was during this election cycle that Bailey took to the state political radar, suing the Pritzker administration for its order to stay home during the COVID pandemic. He eventually won a temporary removal order from a Clay County judge, but later overturned the TRO on appeal.
Bailey also ran into hot water after refusing to wear a mask on the floor of his Illinois home, and lawmakers voted to remove him from the House.
Runner-up Beverly Miles received only 8% of the vote.
Bailey and Pritzker campaign expenses
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, more than $ 216 million was spent in total among eight candidates: two Democrats, including incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker, and six Republicans.
The largest contribution Bailey’s campaign received was $ 9 million. That compares to at least $ 129 million Pritzker spent.
What’s next?
Bailey, one of Pritzker’s fiercest critics, will face the incumbent Democratic governor in the Nov. 8 general election. If Bailey wins, Illinois will have its third Republican governor in 24 years.