Illinois Democrats Accuse Darren Bailey of Violating Campaign Fundraising Law (Chicago, IL) – The Democratic Party of Illinois is criticizing Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey following a Chicago Tribune report that found his campaign attempted to hold multiple fundraising events on days when the Illinois General Assembly was in session, including at least one event that reportedly took place in violation of state law.
According to the Tribune, Illinois law prohibits candidates for statewide office from holding campaign fundraisers on legislative session days. Bailey, a former state senator and current candidate for governor, voted in favor of the law during his time in the General Assembly.
The report found that Bailey held a fundraiser during a legislative session day that required a minimum $100 contribution and directed supporters to donate through the Bailey for Illinois campaign committee.
The Tribune also reported that an earlier planned fundraiser featuring a $500-per-plate dinner was postponed after media inquiries. Event materials reportedly stated that net proceeds would benefit Bailey for Illinois.
In a statement responding to the report, the Democratic Party of Illinois accused Bailey of failing to follow a law he supported as a legislator.
“It’s ironic, though not surprising, that a candidate who has made ‘law and order’ central to his political brand is willing to ignore laws when they become inconvenient for his campaign,” the party said in a statement. “Illinoisans deserve to know why his own principles — and his own legislative record — do not apply when his campaign is involved.”
The party further argued that voters should receive answers regarding the campaign’s actions and compliance with state fundraising regulations.
According to the Tribune, Bailey’s campaign spokesperson did not deny violating the law when questioned by reporters and instead argued that the statute is not actively enforced. The spokesperson did not respond to a follow-up question asking whether Bailey believes laws that are not enforced can be disregarded, the newspaper reported.
Bailey, a downstate Republican who previously won the GOP nomination for governor in 2022, has frequently emphasized public safety and law-and-order themes during his statewide campaigns.
The campaign has not publicly announced any legal action or enforcement proceedings related to the fundraising events. Illinois election and campaign finance laws are administered through a combination of state ethics, election and enforcement agencies.
Illinois Democrats Accuse Darren Bailey of Violating Campaign Fundraising Law
