As the race for Illinois governor intensifies, Republican candidate Darren Bailey is turning to college students and young adults with a summer internship program aimed at strengthening grassroots organizing ahead of the November election.
The Bailey campaign says the internship program is designed to provide political experience, leadership training and resume-building opportunities while supporting outreach and organizing efforts.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Illinois is invest in our young people,” Bailey and his lieutenant governor running mate, Aaron Del Mar, said in a joint statement.
“Internships matter, but real impact happens through mentorship – when young adults are guided by leaders who model integrity, hard work, faith, and service. If we want the next generation to build their lives, raise their families, and create opportunity here in Illinois, we need to start investing in them today.”
The Bailey for Illinois program offers both paid and unpaid positions, with some unpaid internships potentially qualifying for college credit. Available roles include grassroots outreach, social media work, event support, communications, data and office assistance, or general volunteer assignments.
Bailey, a former state senator and downstate farmer, advanced to the general election after winning the Republican gubernatorial primary with 53.5% of the vote, setting up a rematch against incumbent Pritzker, who is seeking a third term.
In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Pritzker defeated Bailey, winning 54.9% of the vote with 2,253,748 votes to Bailey’s 42.4% and 1,739,095 votes.
Prediction markets tracking the 2026 Illinois governor’s race currently favor a Democrat victory, assigning Pritzker a 93% chance of winning compared with 8% for Bailey.
However, Bailey does have a competitive path in the governor’s race if he is able to consolidate voters who backed President Donald Trump.
Trump received 2,449,079 votes in Illinois in the 2024 presidential election, about 195,000 more, or roughly 8.7% higher, than the 2,253,748 votes Pritzker earned in the 2022 gubernatorial race, according to election data.
During the primary, Bailey focused on taxes, government spending, crime and population loss while working to expand Republican support beyond his downstate base.
Del Mar, former chair of the Cook County Republican Party and co-chair of the Illinois Republican Party, is viewed as bringing suburban appeal and organizational strength to the ticket ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
A Bailey for Illinois flyer promotes summer internships and volunteer opportunities for students and young adults as the Republican gubernatorial campaign builds support ahead of November. (InstaGram / Concerned Parents of Illinois)
