Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for Illinois Governor, said he opposes any compromise on the SAFE-T Act as it jeopardizes resident safety and that Governor JB Pritzker aligns with offenders rather than the public.
“I won’t compromise on the SAFE-T Act because I won’t compromise on your safety,” said Bailey. “JB sides with criminals. I side with you.”
According to Bailey’s statement posted on X, the SAFE-T Act has led to the release of thousands of pretrial detainees in Illinois since 2023. This includes individuals charged with domestic battery and aggravated assault. The post reflects conservative concerns that the law allows suspects to remain free, resulting in further offenses by released individuals.
In Illinois, reports indicate that the SAFE-T Act has contributed to a backlog in court cases. Pretrial releases have increased by over 30 percent in Cook County, where many detainees face charges for violent crimes but are freed due to the elimination of cash bail. State reports suggest this situation strains law enforcement resources as officers repeatedly arrest the same individuals.
Nationally, similar bail reform laws have resulted in higher recidivism rates. Studies show up to 20 percent of released defendants are rearrested for new crimes within a year. This issue is compounded by Governor Pritzker’s recent signing of the Clean Slate Act, which automatically seals nonviolent records. Critics argue this enables offenders to conceal past convictions from employers and landlords, potentially increasing community risks.
Bailey was born in Louisville, Illinois, and holds a degree in agricultural education from Eastern Illinois University. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021 and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022 before announcing another bid.
