Darren Bailey’s campaign team stated that Bailey had recently learned of a helicopter accident in Montana that resulted in the death of his son, daughter-in-law and two grand-children.

Bailey stated that his family is grieving but that they are finding strength in faith and family. His campaign asked for privacy at this time so they can honor and mourn their family members who were killed in the accident.

Bailey announced his candidacy for Illinois Governor in 2026 and will run as a Republican challenger to Governor JB Pritzker, whom he ran against in the 2022 election.

Pritzker wrote on X “our prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Bailey family during this difficult time.” Bailey, who has lived in Southern Illinois all of his life, served as a State Representative from 2019-2021, and as a State Senator from 2021-2023, and is well known for being very conservative and for advocating for rural Illinois communities.

Political Background

Darren Bailey Mourns Loss of Son, Daughter-in-Law and Grandchildren in Helicopter Crash

Bailey is a third generation farmer and has been married to his wife, Cindy, for nearly 40 years. Bailey states on his campaign website, that he, along with his wife Cindy, have always stood by the principle of “Faith, Family & Farming”, which has been a guiding principle in both their public service career and their personal lives.

Condolences and prayers have come in for Bailey from across Illinois’ political spectrum and from people all over the world, as many have offered to help Bailey get through this extremely difficult time as one of the most recognized politicians in the state of Illinois.