Bailey criticizes Pritzker as Socialism 2026 conference opens in Chicago
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The rising visibility of socialist ideas within the Democratic Party became a flashpoint in the Illinois governor's race Friday as Republican candidate Darren Bailey sought to tie the movement to Gov. JB Pritzker while the Socialism 2026 conference opened in Chicago.
With the November election two months away, Bailey appeared outside the Hyatt Regency - a hotel connected to Pritzker's family business interests - where the conference launched its holiday weekend program. Bailey ishoping to frame the gathering as an opportunity to highlight what he called a leftward shift among Democrats.
"It's no surprise that socialists feel at home here in Illinois. J.B. Pritzker has spent nearly eight years rolling out the red carpet for their policies," Bailey said.
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An anti-Pritzker video billboard truck paid for by Bailey circled McCormick Place, where parts of the conference were also being held.
The Pritzker campaign dismissed Bailey's criticism, issuing a statement saying, "Darren Bailey wants to talk about anything but his extreme record. Governor Pritzker is going to continue delivering for all Illinoisans."
Pritzker has not embraced the socialist agenda promoted at the conference, though he has previously described Democrats as a "big tent" party. Bailey, meanwhile, said he is working to expand the Republican coalition.
"It's a choice between an out-of-touch billionaire who believes that government always needs more of your money and working Illinoisans who understand what it means to earn a living, balance a budget, and make difficult decisions," Bailey said.
The conference, which organizers say has more than 2,600 registered attendees, also drew attention from Americans for Prosperity, a conservative advocacy group that sent its own billboard truck past the hotel.
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Brian Costin of Americans for Prosperity said the group has concerns about the conference.
"Hasan Piker is going to be presenting a program that talks about abolishing the Senate, abolishing prisons, abolishing police, abolishing the borders, and radically transforming life in America," Costin said.
Organizers of the conference defended their platform.
"We're for Medicare for all. We're for eliminating all of that bureaucracy with the insurance system, and free healthcare, free childcare, and the way that we're going to pay for that is by taxing rich people like Darren Bailey," said Sean Larson of the Socialism 2026 organizing team.
Bailey argued that voters are focused on economic pressures but said the policies promoted at the conference would worsen those concerns.
"People are worried about housing, healthcare, wages, education, and the rising cost of everyday life, and that concern is real. But more government, higher taxes, and taking more from one group to give to another does not solve it," he said.
The Socialism 2026 Conference runs through the holiday weekend. Bailey is hoping the event will prompt voters to reconsider their support for a Democratic governor as he continues to argue the party is increasingly embracing socialist ideology.
