Campaign finance disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections show Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s campaign paid more than $10,000 in early 2026 to a company owned by his lieutenant governor running mate, Aaron Del Mar, for yard signs and branded merchandise.
In addition to serving as Palatine Township Highway Commissioner, Del Mar is Chair of the Cook County Republican Party. He previously served as co-chair of the Illinois GOP.
According to the Bailey for Illinois committee’s D-2 quarterly report covering Jan. 1 through March 31, 2026, the campaign made three payments totaling $10,225.95 to Happy Hallow Industries LLC of Palatine, which is controlled by Del Mar.
The largest payment, $8,747.04 on Jan. 7, was for yard signs. Two additional payments were made on Feb. 12; $691.74 for yard signs and $787.17 for campaign logo apparel.
Bailey for Illinois campaign payments to Happy Hallow Industries LLC of Palatine
included $8,747.04 for yard signs Jan. 7, 2026, and Feb. 12 payments of $691.74 for
yard signs and $787.17 for apparel. (Illinois State Board of Elections)
The report also shows a prior payment of $8,500 on Dec. 4, 2025, to the same company for yard signs, indicating repeated campaign spending with the vendor ahead of and during the reporting period.
Bailey for Illinois paid Happy Hallow Industries LLC of Palatine $8,500 on Dec. 4, 2025,
for yard signs. (Illinois State Board of Elections)
Campaign finance law prohibits candidates from using campaign funds for personal expenses, but allows spending on legitimate campaign-related goods and services such as signage, apparel and communications materials. The Illinois filings indicate the expenditures were categorized as campaign materials.
The filings come as Bailey’s campaign reported raising $603,927.24 in the first quarter of 2026, nearly all from individual contributions, while spending $557,141.85 over the same period. The campaign ended the quarter with $81,839.85 in cash on hand and reported $316,885.14 in outstanding debts and obligations.
Happy Hallow Industries LLC is one of at least 14 business entities associated with Del Mar, spanning real estate, hospitality, events and professional services, according to Illinois business records kept by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Several appear to function as property holding companies, while others include ventures in hospitality and sports-related promotions.
The payments and Del Mar’s business holdings have drawn attention in political circles after a Facebook account parody of former Illinois Attorney General Candidate Tom DeVore highlighted the transactions.
“I am sure [to] acknowledge how hard it is to run as a Lt. Gov. Candidate since you don’t get paid to be a candidate, in fact its pretty much prohibited!” the Facebook post said.
“Well my entrepreneurial ingenuity rubbed off a little on Aaron and he has figured this business and politics thing out! I am so proud.”
“Happy Hallow Industries LLC is run by none other than Aaron Del Mar! I highly recommend this company for all of your yard sign needs, political logo apparel needs, and even Phone Banking needs! If you need a reference I am sure the Bailey for IL Campaign and Bailey for IL LLC (More to come on the LLC, my guy opened up) can vouch for the quality. They would not have spent $25,000 as repeat customers if they were unsatisfied!”
