Jim Durkin backs JB Pritzker over Darren Bailey in Illinois governor rematch

Former Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin endorsed Gov. JB Pritzker over Darren Bailey on Monday, backing the Democratic governor against the Republican nominee one month before the Illinois governor race.

In a Pritzker campaign video, Durkin said Bailey stands for exclusion over inclusion and called his politics a form of subtraction. Durkin said Bailey cannot be trusted to lead Illinois.

Republicans dismissed the endorsement. Aaron Del Mar, the Republican lieutenant governor candidate on Bailey's ticket, said Durkin says he wants a stronger Republican Party but then endorsed Pritzker. Del Mar called it surrender dressed up as leadership.

Pritzker and Bailey are facing each other for a second time. Pritzker defeated Bailey by nearly 13 percentage points in the 2022 governor race.

Independent Collin Corbett is also on the November 3 ballot.

The Durkin endorsement came as both parties exchange attacks. Bailey and Del Mar are pressing Pritzker on taxes, public safety and corruption. They argue his eight years in office have made Illinois less affordable for working families.

Pritzker's campaign has spent money to portray Bailey as too conservative for Illinois on social issues. The campaign has also tied Bailey to President Trump, who endorsed Bailey last month.

Trump has lost Illinois by double digits in three presidential elections. Pritzker is using that history to argue that Bailey's alignment with Trump makes him unelectable statewide.

Bailey has tried to keep some distance from the former president. After Trump's endorsement, Bailey said that is not what this race is about.

Trump affects both campaigns. Bailey needs to energize Trump's Republican base while also reaching suburban voters who rejected Trump four years ago.

Pritzker has attacked Trump as speculation continues about a possible Pritzker presidential run in 2028.

Bailey is campaigning on cutting state spending, tougher criminal justice policies and greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Pritzker is defending his fiscal record and emphasizing abortion rights, gun restrictions, clean energy and opposition to the Trump administration.

The race is Illinois' first gubernatorial rematch since 2022. Voters will decide between Pritzker, Bailey and Corbett on Nov. 3.