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“We are considering that,” Bailey told The Center Square. “If we
decide to run, we’ll probably make an official announcement
pretty soon. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for some
time, and I’m gauging what kind of impact our movement could
have on the overall direction of things.”
Bailey recently joined former President Donald Trump at a rally
in New Jersey soon after the one-time commander-in-chief was hit
with a 37 count federal indictment over classified documents,
leaving some to speculate that he may be at least a step closer
to making his run official.
“I’m getting closer and closer to making a decision,” added
Bailey, who also challenged Gov. J.B. Pritzker as the GOP
nominee in 2022. “Definitely, if I make the decision to run I
would look to have President Trump on my side again.”
During his campaign against Pritzker, where he finished with a
shade over 42% of the vote, Bailey had Trump's support. That
same year, Trump also endorsed Bost in his reelection run, but
in recent times Bailey has expressed growing concern about the
overall direction of the conservative movement.
“Where this party is headed is something that I’m always
concerned about,” Bailey said. “I talk with constituents all the
time and I think it goes without saying that we need to continue
to empower people that give them their loudest voice.”
Bailey recently unveiled plans for a July 4, celebration near
his downstate home where supporters quickly snatched up the 300
tickets he offered online, fueling further speculation that he
could make his run official during that outing.
“I’ve had fundraisers like this before,” he said. “It’s a chance
for friends to support our movement and for me to give back to
supporters. It’s been a while since I’ve seen many of them with
all the time we had to dedicate to our last campaign. I’m
looking forward to the moment.”
Bost took to social media earlier this month to announce he
plans to seek another term.
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