Gov. Pritzker, candidate Bailey take competing messages to Dallas GOP midterm convention
Bailey trying to drum up support, Pritzker likely running for president, political analyst says
DALLAS (WLS) -- The race for Illinois governor shifted south on Wednesday as both Republican challenger Darren Bailey and Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker appeared in Texas ahead of the midterm Republican convention set to begin in Dallas.
Bailey traveled to the American Airlines Center, where Republicans are preparing for what some in the party have dubbed "Trump-a-palooza." The venue's hallways were lined with photos of President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to deliver both the keynote address Wednesday night and the closing speech Thursday. Bailey and his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, will sit with the Illinois delegation.
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"We're working our tails off in Illinois, but we just we need more help. We need to get the message out," Bailey said. "So that really is the prime focus of coming down here to Dallas to find those people and have those conversations who will understand and partner with us to help get this message out."
He acknowledged the trip also includes fundraising.
Pritzker appeared alongside Texas Democrats to counter the convention's message and criticize Trump and Republican policies.
"I care a great deal about what happens in Texas. Voters everywhere in the country should care about what happens in Texas," Pritzker said. "So I'm pleased to be here for that reason. If I can advance the cause, that's why I should stand here."
ABC7 Chicago political analyst Laura Washington said Pritzker's presence reflects broader ambitions.
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"JB Pritzker is there because he is probably running for president, and he wants to enhance his national stature and be in a place that's a key race and a key location for Democrats at a time when he's supporting Democrats nationally," she said.
Pritzker recently launched a political action committee called Ready for the Fight, seeding it with $20 million of his own money to oppose "Make-America-Great-Again"-aligned candidates in Texas and other states. He downplayed any future plans beyond his current campaign.
"First of all, I'm running for reelection as governor, and I do want to serve as governor of the state of Illinois," Pritzker said. "And any decisions that get made after that are going to be about whatever's best for the people of our state."
Bailey, meanwhile, embraced the convention but kept distance from Trump, whose poll numbers have dipped.
"Donald Trump being president has nothing to do with Darren Bailey being governor. It really doesn't," Bailey said.
Washington said Bailey faces a delicate balance.
"Donald Trump's going to be the star of this convention; so he's going to have to do a balancing act in terms of trying to woo Republican support while also keeping some distance from the president," she said.
The Texas trip could help Bailey secure additional Republican financial support, while Pritzker's appearance may further elevate his national profile. The election is now 55 days away.
