East Central Reporter

After claiming victory in the Republican primary for governor, Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) is looking to the future.

“Last night’s victory was amazing, but the real fight is for our future and our families,” Bailey wrote on Facebook. “Cindy and I have 11 grandkids and love every moment with them. We would love to be on our farm with them every day, but we understand where we need to be right now.”

Bailey will face incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November.

The Peoria Journal Star showed Bailey topping the Republican slate of candidates for governor, with 97.08% of votes counted. He received 453,469 votes, or 57.7%

The Chicago Sun-Times reported how former President Donald Trump spoke at a rally before the election to endorse Bailey, and how Bailey responded.

“I’ve made a promise to President Trump that in 2024, Illinois will roll the red carpet out for him because Illinois will be ready for President Trump,” Bailey said to cheers, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

WTTW covered Bailey's speech to supporters after his victory.

“Friends, your voices were finally heard. The voices of working families, parents, taxpayers, law enforcement and everyday citizens,” Bailey said to cheers at a campaign party Tuesday night in Effingham. “Our movement sent a clear message to the establishment and the political elites: We will not be ignored.”

Runners-up entrepreneur Jesse Sullivan and Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin garnered about 15% of the vote each, according to unofficial results.

Prior to the election, Irvin noted that negative ads against him were paid for by the Democratic Governors Association.

“That should say to the voters in the Republican primary that Pritzker is the one that’s picking his candidate that all Republicans understand cannot win in the general election,” Irvin said to ABC 7.

The Illinois Republican Party tweeted a congratulatory message to Bailey:

"Congratulations to Senator Darren Bailey on winning the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois!"