Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Bailey challenges Bost for U.S. House seat

Darren Bailey, the former GOP gubernatorial nominee and Illinois lawmaker, will challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Bost next year for the state’s 12th congressional district seat, Bailey said Tuesday in a campaign video.

He also filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission on Tuesday morning to run for the office and to create a political action committee. That will be followed by a Fourth of July event at his farm, according to Politico.

“I will fight for the America we all believe in,” Bailey said. “It’s not an option to sit on the sidelines. It’s time to fight. That’s why I’m proud to announce that I’m running for Congress to work for you — not the special interests.”

Bailey’s announcement will pit two conservative members of the Republican party against one another, likely vying for the support of former President Donald Trump as well.

After Democrats redrew Illinois’ districts in 2021, the new 12th congressional district — which stretches across the southern third of the state, including O’Fallon, Shiloh and Clinton and Monroe counties in the Metro East — became an apparent lock for Republicans.