Prairie State Wire

Darren Bailey, candidate for Governor of Illinois, attended the AWAKE rally in Springfield.

"Thank you to the great Patriots of Awake Illinois for holding a rally at the Illinois State Capitol today," Bailey said. "When I am governor, I promise to restore confidence in our education system, and restore what has been broken by JB Pritzker and his radical Board of Education."

Awake Illinois is a grassroots organization that was launched by everyday parents and citizens in May 2021. 

Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) | Bailey's website

"During the pandemic year, many of us 'awakened' to the issues affecting our communities, our children, and our liberties," its website reads. "Thanks to the volunteerism of our chapter chairs and members, our advocacy is waking up Illinoisans each day while empowering citizens to elevate their voices on topics of education, equality, legislation, civic involvement, and social welfare causes."

Awake Illinois chartered the first chapter in Naperville and is now expanding across Illinois. 

"Join the movement here," the organization stated on its website. 

Those who are willing to assist and consider a non-tax-deductible donation to support its statewide efforts may choose from several options including donating via Paypal. T-shirts and hoodies are also available for purchase at this online store.  

On Tuesday, Awake Illinois conducted its Common Sense Caravan to talk about the sexualization of kids. The Lincoln Statue on Second Street in Springfield is where the caravan congregated. Several advocates graced the event.

Bailey headlined the caravan and Gov. J.B. Pritzker sent a campaign email out attacking the event, McHenry Times reported. 

The State Senator from Xenia has also shown support to Awake Illinois when it endorsed its Parents Bill of Rights earlier this year. The Parents Bill of Rights lays out fundamental principles by which the group expects children to be treated in the state’s schools. Bailey was the first to pledge his support to the AWAKE ILLINOIS' Parents Bill of Rights and has encouraged parents to be part of saving the children.

“Illinois is going to be the difference," Bailey said in his endorsement, SE Illinois News reported. "We shape up our schools, we start lifting up the family unit, we start saving our children. It's going to be Illinois in the next two years that's going to be the catalyst for that change for this entire nation. I wholeheartedly believe that. I look forward to leading the way.”