Trump's 3rd Bailey Endorsement Reshapes Illinois Governor Race as Pritzker Ties Rival to ICE Crackdown
Updated
Updated · WLS-TV · Sep 15
Trump's 3rd Bailey Endorsement Reshapes Illinois Governor Race as Pritzker Ties Rival to ICE Crackdown
3 articles · Updated · WLS-TV · Sep 15
Summary
Trump's surprise backing jolted the Illinois governor's race, with Darren Bailey saying the late-night endorsement caught him off guard and insisting the campaign remains about state issues after eight years of Pritzker.
Pritzker moved quickly to weaponize Trump's third endorsement, calling Bailey a Trump acolyte and linking him to hardline immigration enforcement, including last year's Operation Midway Blitz, which he said still leaves Illinois residents fearful.
Bailey tried to narrow that vulnerability by saying enforcement should target violent offenders, while both candidates also used the moment to sharpen differences on state policy beyond Trump.
Pritzker pressed lawmakers to pass the Power Act after pausing data-center tax credits in May, while Bailey backed stricter safeguards on energy, water and local approval; they also traded blame over the Chicago Bears' stadium search.
The endorsement revives Bailey's Trump ties from his 2022 loss to Pritzker and gives Democrats a fresh line of attack as Pritzker also fends off speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.