Illinois Gubernatorial General Election — Candidate Comparison
This page presents a side-by-side comparison of candidate priorities and promises in the Illinois gubernatorial general election.
Candidates:
- JB Pritzker (Democratic) — Candidate in the Illinois gubernatorial general election
- Darren Bailey (Republican) — Candidate in the Illinois gubernatorial general election
Candidate Priorities and Promises in the General Election
The table below compares the publicly stated priorities and promises of candidates appearing on the general election ballot. Information is compiled from official campaign websites, public statements, and other verifiable sources to help voters understand where candidates stand on key issues.
Score: / 22
Score: / 22
About
Fighting for Illinois families and putting people first has been the work of my life. I came to the governorship as an outsider with a successful background as a job creator and a dedication to making people’s lives better. I was lucky to come from a family that had served in the military and become successful business builders. And despite losing both my parents at a young age, I wanted to follow in their footsteps in service to our nation.
Darren Bailey is a third-generation farmer, devoted husband, and lifelong conservative from rural Southern Illinois. He and his sons operate Bailey Family Farm, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and faith that continue to guide his life. Darren and his wife Cindy, married 39 years, live by the motto faith, family, and farming. Together they founded a private Christian school, offering families a Christ-centered education. Darren also served 17 years on the North Clay Board of Education, including 12 as President. Darren and Cindy live on their family farm near Louisville, where they enjoy time with their four married children and thirteen grandchildren. They worship at Freedom Church in Salem.
Achievements
Lowering Costs for Working Families; Expanding Quality, Affordable Health Care; Standing Up To Trump; Creating The Economy of The Future; Fighting for Opportunity & Justice; Building a Strong Fiscal Foundation; Strengthening Rural & Downstate Communities; Growing The Agriculture Industry; Improving Public Safety; Improving Education from Cradle to Career; Growing Jobs, Small Businesses & Our Economy; Protecting Women’s Rights
Elected to the Illinois House in 2018 and later the State Senate, Darren fought reckless spending, higher taxes, and sanctuary state policies. He refused a taxpayer-funded pension and championed tax relief and agriculture as lead Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Priority 1
Lowering Costs for Working Families: JB has made it his mission to make life more affordable for Illinoisans. From cutting taxes and raising wages to reducing grocery bills and making prescription drugs cheaper, he is getting big things done for people across the state.
Ensuring Quality Education for Every Child: Darren Bailey believes that every child in Illinois—no matter their zip code—deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. As governor, he will fight to ensure that our schools are fully funded, empower parents to make the best choices for their children, and support teachers with the resources they need to succeed. Darren knows that strong schools build strong communities, and he’s committed to removing ...
Priority 2
Expanding Quality, Affordable Health Care: JB believes health care is a right, not a privilege, and he has expanded access, improved the quality of care available, and lowered costs for families across Illinois.
Protecting Our Communities: Darren Bailey is committed to restoring law and order and making our neighborhoods safe again. As governor, he will stand with law enforcement, not against them—providing the tools, training, and support officers need to do their jobs effectively. Darren will work to hold violent criminals accountable, crack down on repeat offenders, and stop policies that put politics ahead of public safety. Every family in Illinois deserves to feel safe in their homes,...
Priority 3
Standing Up To Trump: JB is leading a national fight against Donald Trump’s attacks on education, health care, and the economy and is protecting Illinoisans from having their rights and freedoms taken away as MAGA Republicans become more and more authoritarian.
Making Illinois Affordable Again: Darren Bailey knows that hardworking families across Illinois are struggling under the weight of high taxes, rising utility bills, and skyrocketing costs of living. As governor, he will fight to lower taxes, cut wasteful government spending, and bring real fiscal responsibility back to Springfield. Darren will champion policies that put more money back in the pockets of everyday Illinoisans, support small businesses, and attract new jobs to our state...
Priority 4
Fighting for Opportunity & Justice: From expanding voting rights to historic investments in underserved communities, JB has made the fight for economic and social justice a top priority.
Property Taxes: No family should ever pay more in property taxes than their mortgage—but in Illinois, countless families do. That’s unacceptable. Families are being taxed out of their homes while politicians in Springfield keep raising spending and passing the bill to taxpayers. Darren Bailey will fight to rein in government waste, demand accountability, and deliver real tax relief. Because homeownership should be a blessing—not a burden.
Priority 5
Building a Strong Fiscal Foundation: Before JB took office, decades of fiscal mismanagement and a dysfunctional Republican governor caused Illinoisans to suffer service cuts, underfunded schools, and reduced state credit ratings as families across Illinois paid the price. Under JB’s leadership, Illinois has restored fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets, reduced debts, and credit upgrades.
Priority 6
Strengthening Rural & Downstate Communities: JB is a Governor for all of Illinois, working with farmers to grow our agriculture sector, bringing jobs downstate, and investing more in infrastructure and education for rural communities than ever before.
Priority 7
Growing The Agriculture Industry: Agriculture is the heart of Illinois’ economy with 70,000 farms that cover 27 million acres. From day one, JB has been committed to growing the industry and helping rural families thrive.
Priority 8
Improving Public Safety: JB knows that the first job of any elected official is to keep their constituents safe. That’s why he’s worked to expand funding for our first responders and strengthen gun safety laws to protect Illinois families in every corner of the state.
Priority 9
Improving Education from Cradle to Career: JB knows how important it is to provide a quality education from cradle through college. From expanding early childhood education to investing in K-12 schools and making college more affordable, JB has improved education for young people across Illinois.
Priority 10
Growing Jobs, Small Businesses & Our Economy: JB believes that the keys to a strong economy are increasing wages, supporting small businesses and growing jobs in every corner of the state. Entrepreneurs create new opportunities for everyone, and JB is focused on creating a business environment that values their creativity and innovative spirit.
Promise 1
We are committed to making our state a safe haven for abortion rights and a national model in reproductive healthcare. I'm proud of the progress we've made, but I will not rest on this. @GovPritzker, January 22, 2026
"We’re going to keep speaking the truth, we’re going to keep pushing back against the chaos, and we’re going to bring law and order back to this state." @DarrenBaileyIL (November 22, 2025)
Promise 2
We're committed to building upon this progress and will continue working tirelessly to improve public safety across our state. (re: interstate shootings reduction) @GovPritzker, January 13, 2026
"Together, we will take back Illinois." @DarrenBaileyIL (September 10, 2025)
Promise 3
Illinois has chosen our path — those who believe in the Constitution and the promise of America should join us in doing so. @GovPritzker, January 12, 2026
"Together, we’ll fight to lower taxes, restore our economy, make our communities safe again, and create opportunities so our kids can build their futures right here at home. With your support, we will..." @DarrenBaileyIL (September 26, 2025)
Promise 4
With this expansion, we're doubling down on our commitment to building a world-class creative workforce and ensuring productions choose Illinois as their home. (re: Film Production Tax Credit) @GovPritzker, December 22, 2025
"That’s why, I am running for Governor of Illinois — and together we will win." @DarrenBaileyIL (October 5, 2025)
Promise 5
My administration is committed to securing long-term investment, a clear path for the future of steelmaking, and protecting good-paying jobs. @GovPritzker, December 4, 2025
"When I’m governor, politics will never dictate policing. We will back the blue, enforce the law without fear or favor, and ensure that every officer in every jurisdiction knows that Illinois stands with them." @DarrenBaileyIL (October 7, 2025)
Promise 6
I'm so proud to see that promise in action — and make clear to our veterans that our state is on your side. (re: new Illinois Veterans' Home at Quincy as part of Rebuild Illinois) @GovPritzker, October 20, 2025
"That’s why I’m considering leaving my farm to run for governor — because I still believe there’s hope for Illinois." @DarrenBaileyIL (August 28, 2025)
Promise 7
Here in Illinois, we promise to never hide from our history — no matter how painful the chapter. We honor his memory... by continuing the fight for civil rights and justice. (re: Emmett Till) @GovPritzker, August 28, 2025
Promise 8
I made a promise to the women of Illinois — as governor, I will ensure your medical decisions will be your own. Now, we continue fulfilling that promise. (re: contraception and medication abortion at public colleges) @GovPritzker, August 23, 2025
Promise 9
I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to help protect you. (re: fighting federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, etc.) @GovPritzker, July 3, 2025
Promise 10
On day one of my administration, I promised to get big things done for Illinoisans. We've... @GovPritzker, ~April 2025 (exact date from context around post ID)
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