CHICAGO (WLS) — After Gov. JB Pritzker defeated Republican Darren Bailey in the gubernatorial race in 2022, the former state senator plans to run again, the Cook County Republican Party chairman said Tuesday.

Since his 2022 run, Bailey has stayed close to President Donald Trump, attending rallies and speaking highly of the president.

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Bailey also lost the congressional race in 2024 against U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.

Cook County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Del Mar said he will be his running mate.

“Two strong conservative leaders are coming together to unite Republicans across Illinois. Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar are building a partnership that bridges downstate and suburban conservatives, energizes our grassroots and offers voters a clear alternative to the failed policies of J.B. Pritzker and Brandon Johnson. This ticket represents unity, strength, and a commitment to restoring public safety, cutting taxes, and making Illinois a place where families and businesses can thrive again,” the campaign said.

Pritzker previously announced he will run for reelection, with former state Rep. Christian Mitchell as his running mate.

He is the first Illinois governor since the late former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson to seek a third consecutive term.

Over the past months, there has been a lot of speculation over whether the governor might run for president.

“I’m running for governor of Illinois: That is four more years,” Pritzker said.

Joseph Severino is also running as a Republican, with Rantch Isquith as a running mate.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick also announced his candidacy.

Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner announced Sunday that he may run as a Republican in 2026.

Gartner called this an exploratory move, and says he remains fully committed to being mayor of Antioch.