Pritzker and Bailey Appeal to Illinois Agriculture Voters

On Monday, Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey addressed the agriculture community in Illinois. They spoke at an event organized by the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable. Bailey, a seasoned farmer, accused Pritzker of opposing President Donald Trump more than prioritizing state interests. Pritzker, in turn, blamed the Trump administration for economic pressures on farmers.

Speaking for nearly an hour, Pritzker attributed the rise in farming costs to international conflicts and trade issues. He even agreed with Trump on urging oil companies to redistribute profits. “Strangely, even though everyone else is suffering from all of this, the big oil companies announce that they’re raking in record profits. That’s war profiteering if you ask me. And it’s got to stop. President Trump the other day said that Big Oil should give some of that back to the public. Well, take note of what I’m about to say: I agree with President Trump,” Pritzker stated.

Bailey, who was supported by Trump during his 2022 gubernatorial run, pledged to advocate for agriculture. He defended tariffs imposed on imports, viewing them as necessary short-term pains for long-term gains. Addressing more than 50 attendees, he emphasized his potential to collaborate with any presidential administration.

Bailey currently trails Pritzker in campaign funds. As of June, Pritzker had over $3.1 million, whereas Bailey held nearly $128,000. This disparity widens as conservative backer Richard Uihlein refrains from supporting Bailey’s current campaign.

The forum’s rural setting favored Bailey, and he must gain ground in Cook and collar counties to compete against Pritzker. Bailey continues his campaign despite personal grief over the loss of family members in a helicopter crash.

Bailey also critiqued Illinois’ estate tax, impacting farm owners, while addressing high property taxes, linking them to Pritzker’s policies. At a press conference, he became emotional recalling his late son’s consideration of leaving Illinois due to business hardships.

Pritzker defended his administration’s economic strategies, opposing Bailey’s tax cap proposal. He remarked, “I know that my opponent says he wants to cap property taxes at 1%. That sounds great. I would love that. Let’s try to do that. Here’s the problem. You have to pay for your parks, your libraries, your … schools and … your local government. I’ve increased massively the amount of money going to those agencies, local agencies.”

In the Senate race, Republican candidate Don Tracy faces Democratic Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Stratton has substantial campaign funds and did not attend the agricultural event, attending other engagements. Tracy presented himself, emphasizing agriculture’s role without excessive regulation. “I don’t see Illinois ag as an industry that needs saving by Washington, D.C. I see some of the most innovative, productive, resilient people in America,” Tracy told the crowd. He lightly criticized Stratton’s absence.

Stratton’s campaign explained her absence was due to prior commitments, including a service with U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, and fundraising events for the Democratic National Committee. The campaign affirmed her commitment to agricultural advocacy.

Independent candidate Collin Corbett criticized being excluded from the event. The roundtable’s policy allows only candidates from established political parties.