East Central Reporter

State Sen. Darren Bailey's (R-Louisville) gubernatorial campaign seemed emboldnened by Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow's temporary restraining order on mask mandates in certain schools.

Bailey criticized the state's school mask mandate, vowing that he will make masks optional in Illinois schools and claimed that other states that do not have mask mandates are "flourishing."

"As your next Governor, I will repeal all of Pritzker’s mandates," Bailey said. "You should make these decisions, not government."

"It's not about a vaccine, it's about freedom" Bailey said before the judge's ruling. "The mandate candidate, @JBPRitzker is acting like a tyrant & overstepping his power. These decisions should be between you & your doctor, and the government is not your doctor. Keep standing for freedom. #twill."

Bailey supports more choices for Illinois parents.

"We support school choice and options for parents to ensure they can provide their child with the best possible education" Bailey said in a post to his official Twitter account on Feb. 14. "One where they’re taught to chase their dreams and find success. One where masks are optional and possibilities are endless. #twill"