Springfield, Illinois – In the five years since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, MAGA Republican and right wing violence-apologist Darren Bailey has refused to stand on the right side of history and condemn the violent act. The Democratic Party of Illinois released the following statement:
“Five years ago our nation was scarred by radical vigilantes who threatened to hang the Vice President and House Speaker of the United States. Officers were beaten within an inch of their lives, our Capitol was desecrated and our nation disrespected. Instead of exercising a bit of decency, and condemning those attackers, Darren Bailey has repeatedly whitewashed one of the darkest days in recent American history.”
Less than two weeks ago, Darren Bailey looked directly into a camera (26:30) and said the event that eventually claimed the lives of law enforcement–was a very clear farce, while supporting the pardoning of the violent insurrectionists.
In the five years since one of the most shameful acts of right-wing violence, Darren Bailey has kept up The Big Lie:
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Bailey promoted election fraud conspiracies and said the idea of Trump conceding in 2020 was “appalling:” “‘All this fraudulent activity is absolutely disgusting. It’s wrong, it’s—in my opinion—almost the highest form of treason in our country, so we pray that it will be dealt with.’ After the election, Bailey said on social media that he stood with Trump and that he found the idea that he should concede ‘appalling’”
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Bailey would not say if the 2020 election had been decided fairly: “Far behind them is Mr. Bailey, whose primary financial benefactor is Richard Uihlein, the billionaire megadonor of far-right Republican candidates, who has donated $9 million of the $11.6 million Mr. Bailey has raised and sent another $8 million to a political action committee that has attacked Mr. Irvin as insufficiently conservative. … Mr. Bailey would not say if the 2020 election had been decided fairly or if Mr. Pence did the right thing.”
After Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, Darren Bailey promptly promoted The Big Lie.
Bailey surrounds himself with a team and allies directly connected to the insurrection:
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WTTW: Darren Bailey, Republican Candidate for Governor, Campaigns With Pastors Who Were On US Capitol Grounds During Insurrection
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KSDK: Man Charged In Capitol Riot Re-Emerged To Rally Early Voters With Bailey Campaign Staff
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Capitol Fax: Bailey’s ‘Punisher’ Preacher Ally Was At Stop The Steal Rally
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Illinois Playbook: Bailey’s Friends In Jan. 6 Places
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WCIA: Bailey Campaign Activist Charged In January 6th Capitol Riot
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Capitol Fax: Chicago Man Arrested By Feds In January 6 Probe Had Apparent Ties to Bailey Campaign
In the years since January 6, 2021, Bailey has been unwavering in his support for the very man who incited the violence:
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In an 2025 interview with NBC Chicago, Bailey said he would welcome another endorsement from President Trump and called him a “man of integrity.”
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On the day of Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration, Bailey wrote on Facebook “We have prayed, worked, and fought for this day for the past 8 years! Prayers have been answered, dividends of the work have payed off, and this fight has been won!! God Bless Donald J Trump and the United States of America.”
Darren Bailey has made it clear he is a right-wing extremist who bows to Donald Trump. With several extremists in the GOP primary for governor, Illinois voters deserve to know where Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner, and James Mendrick stand. Do they agree with Bailey, or will they condemn Jan 6th, Donald Trump, and the rioters who stormed our nation’s Capitol and threatened to kill lawmakers?
