The race for Illinois governor isn’t just one of the biggest races to watch in the state — it’s also the most expensive. And not only is spending for the 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial Primary the most expensive in state history, it’s also on track to be the most expensive, non-presidential race ever in the country, according to analysts. According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, more than $216 million total has been spent among eight candidates — two Democrats, including incumbent Gov. J. B. Pritzker, and six Republicans. This cycle alone, Pritzker spent $129.55 million. In 2018, Pritzker spent $171.5 million in total on his campaign. Pritzker is running for a second term, facing one opponent in the Democratic primary, while six candidates are vying for the GOP nomination in the November general election. Each Republican has spent months trying to showcase his conservative credentials — as well as questioning those of his opponents in scathing attacks — as they all try to appeal to the GOP base. Before you head to the polls on Election Day, here’s what you need to know about the six Republicans vying for a spot on your November ballot. The Republican Candidates Are, in The Order They Appear on the Ballot:State Sen. Darren Bailey: Bailey, of downstate Xenia, served one term in the Illinois House of Representatives beginning in 2019 before successfully running for the 55th District state Senate seat in 2020. He garnered more widespread name recognition when he sued Pritzker over the governor’s stay-at-home order in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and when his colleagues in the House voted to remove him from the legislative session for not following the chamber’s rule requiring a face covering. In the legislature, Bailey is part of the “Eastern Bloc,” which in 2019 backed a resolution to separate Chicago from the rest of the state. While Bailey has since walked back that effort, he has still been largely critical of the city, calling it a “dysfunctional hellhole.” A third-generation farmer, he owns and operates the Bailey Family Farm, which made headlines earlier this year when the Paycheck Protection Program funding his entities received – totaling more than $500,000 – came to light. Records show Bailey received a $231,475 PPP payment in February 2021 as he continued to criticize federal COVID-19 relief efforts – and less than a month before he personally loaned his political campaign $150,000. That was before he started to receive the backing – and big money – of shipping supply giant and GOP mega-donor Richard Uihlein, who has boosted Bailey’s campaign with more than $9 million. Uihlein is no stranger to gubernatorial races in Illinois: in 2018, he poured millions into conservative firebrand Jeanne Ives’ nearly successful primary challenge against then-Gov. Bruce Rauner. Ives, who challenged Rauner from the right fueled by the base’s anger over his actions on abortion and immigration, has endorsed Bailey this cycle.
All data is taken from the source: http://nbcchicago.com
Article Link: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-primary-election-2022-the-illinois-gubernatorial-primary-is-the-most-expensive-race-in-state-history/2868299/
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