North Cook News

Darren Bailey, candidate for Governor of Illinois, addresses a new poll showing a tight race.

The poll, Bailey said, is a reflection of Illinoisans seeking change.

"This race is closing quickly," Bailey said. "People are fed up with inept policies that continue to drive people out of our state. They are tired of the rise in crime, the crushing pension debt, the heavy tax burden, and the heavy-handed mandates on schools and businesses. They want to be free of the policies that are holding back real progress and real success. They want a change and they know I am the only candidate who will work for the change we need. The majority of the people in our state believe our state is on the wrong track. What they are basically saying is that they understand we are headed in the wrong direction because of the failed policies of JB Pritzker and his allies in the House and the Senate. They want change and they know I am the only candidate who will advocate for the change we need."

Bailey is in a virtual tie with Gov. J.B. Pritzker in recent polling. An Osage Research survey given to 600 likely voters from Oct. 13-15 found 42 percent of voters would vote for Bailey while 44 percent noted they’d re-elect Pritzker. With a +/-4% deviation that means it's nearly a dead heat. Pritzker was by far the most unfavorable candidate included in the poll with 47 percent of respondents finding him unfavorable. That was far ahead of Bailey at 40 percent and two points higher than President Joe Biden. Of those responding to the poll 47 percent self-described as Democrats while 44 percent identified as Republicans, according to Prairie State Wire.

Factoid 2After Newsmax reported on the poll showing he has drawn within striking distance, Bailey took to Facebook thanking people for their “support, prayers, and hard work are what make this possible. In the final weeks, our movement is surging and I promise you we will continue working day in and day out to reach voters across Illinois who are desperate for a new hope in our state. Keep the faith, and keep spreading the word! November 8th will be here quick!” 

Bailey who was born and raised in Louisville and is a proud third-generation farmer is a conservative Illinoisan according to his website. With his childhood days spent at Bailey Family Farm, he learned at a young age what it means to work hard and earn an honest living. "Today, Darren and his sons own and operate Bailey Family Farm. He grows corn, wheat, and soybeans, all while carrying on the traditions of one of America’s oldest occupations,” the website reads. “Darren is grounded in the conservative values of hard work, individual liberty, and social responsibility. He knows that these precious freedoms are threatened everyday by big government and powerful career politicians.”