With early voting beginning in about two weeks, the contest for Illinois governor moved briefly to Texas this week as both Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican nominee Darren Bailey made separate appearances on the sidelines of the Republicans’ rare midterm convention in Dallas.
Different agendas in the same city
Pritzker and Bailey showed up with contrasting aims. The governor used the trip to broaden his national profile and position himself as a protector of Democratic congressional seats, while Bailey and his campaign worked to cultivate relationships with Republican delegations and promote policy ideas and fundraising opportunities for his campaign.
“I absolutely could be in Illinois right now,” Pritzker told reporters, adding that his priority was helping Democrats win nationwide so “the Congress becomes a Democratic Congress.”
Pritzker’s appearance followed the launch of a $20 million national political action committee intended to support Democrats in congressional races, particularly in districts carried by former President Donald Trump. The governor also praised Texas Democrats who have risen in prominence in recent statewide contests.
Bailey seeks lessons and allies
Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, said the campaign met with Republican delegations from other states to gather ideas on policies they could pursue in Illinois. Del Mar characterized those conversations as efforts to study "best practices" elsewhere and consider how to adapt them for Illinois.
- Where: Dallas, on the sidelines of the Republicans’ midterm convention
- Who: Gov. J.B. Pritzker and GOP nominee Darren Bailey (and Bailey running mate Aaron Del Mar)
- Timing: Visits occurred as early voting in Illinois approaches in about two weeks
The competing appearances underscore how the governor’s race has taken on a national flavor this fall, with both campaigns seeking support and attention outside Illinois even as voters in the state prepare to begin casting ballots. For voters in the state, those out-of-state stops translate into different messages: Pritzker is tying his campaign to a broader Democratic effort, while Bailey is highlighting policy exchange and Republican organizing.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Major fundraising move | Pritzker-backed $20 million PAC to support Democrats |
| Campaign outreach | Bailey meetings with GOP delegations to discuss policy ideas |
As the election moves into its final weeks, Illinois voters will see both statewide and national forces shape the tone of the campaign. The Dallas appearances were the latest example of how candidates are balancing in-state campaigning with efforts to leverage national networks for money, advice and media attention.
Reporting from Dallas and Springfield indicates both campaigns are preparing for the next stretch of the race as early voting opens and Election Day approaches.
