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Illinois Republicans fire back on their day at the Illinois State Fair

Illinois Republicans fire back on their day at the Illinois State Fair

Former state lawmaker Darren Bailey (right), the Republican nominee for governor, speaks to reporters after the Republican Day program at the IL State Fair, Springfield IL, Aug. 20, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Dahl


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A day after Illinois Democrats had their day at the Illinois State Fair, Republicans had their turn.

“Property taxes, they’re crushing homeowners,” GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey (pictured, right) said during his speech on the fairgrounds’ Director’s Lawn. “Electric bills are exploding. Groceries, insurance, gas, child care. They all cost more. Now the Pritzker administration wants to hit working Illinoisans with another massive toll increase.”

With Republicans highlighting the number of people moving out of Illinois, Capitol City Now asked Bailey what he would tell a friend who would say, you’re right, I’m moving to Indiana or Missouri. “Don’t change your address and don’t move until you vote for us and get Illinois turned around,” adding, “Everyone here knows someone who has left the state. It is a real problem.”

Shortly before the Republicans’ stage show, the campaign for Gov. JB Pritzker issued a debate schedule which included only one event: Oct. 13 on public television in Chicago. Bailey told reporters after the Republican Day event Thursday it’s evidence that Pritzker’s afraid of him. Bailey said he’d debate Pritzker every day in September and October if that’s what it takes. Asked whether he’s agreed to the Chicago TV debate, Bailey responded, “We have not agreed yet.”

Election Day is Nov. 3.

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