Illinois Campaign Fundraising Dynamics in the Governor and Senate Races

Republican Gubernatorial Race

Darren Bailey, the Republican nominee for governor, is up against Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in the upcoming November 3 general election. Bailey has raised $1.33 million while spending $1.28 million since winning the GOP primary on March 17, according to state campaign finance records.

Bailey’s fundraising efforts outpaced those of other Republican candidates. This includes U.S. Senate nominee Don Tracy, who faces Pritzker’s running mate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin.

Bailey, from southern Illinois, had less than $128,000 in his campaign account at the start of July. In contrast, the JB for Governor campaign fund had over $3.1 million. Without the large donors he had in 2022, Bailey relies on small-dollar donations. Almost half of the money he raised this quarter came from contributions under $150.

On June 30, Bailey sent a fundraising request saying he needed $5,397 more to meet his quarterly target. He made an appeal for donations, emphasizing the campaign’s urgency in a video recorded from his vehicle.

Campaign Financing Disparities

While Pritzker spent nearly $6.9 million on advertising from April to June, Bailey allocated over $914,000 for direct mail fundraising. Bailey’s campaign paid only $39,000 on staff salaries, compared to Pritzker’s payroll of nearly $858,000 for 49 staff members.

Bailey’s approach drew criticism from independent candidate Collin Corbett. Corbett entered the race with more than $379,000 in July, largely due to a $500,000 personal loan. This was after Bailey’s campaign withdrew its challenge to Corbett’s nominating petitions.

Senate Race Fundraising

In the Senate race, Juliana Stratton outpaced Don Tracy in early fundraising efforts. Stratton raised $1.1 million, benefiting also from efforts with the Democratic Party. In comparison, Tracy raised approximately $133,000.

Tracy, who previously lent his campaign $2 million, had about $1.5 million available by the end of June. Stratton, however, had over $1.1 million on hand. Despite their financial differences, both campaigns continued to appeal for support from their donor bases.

Broader GOP Challenges

The Illinois Republican Party is struggling financially. Democrats dominate the state’s political landscape, holding all statewide offices and significant legislative control. Bailey’s largest individual donor is former paving magnate Gary Rabine, who contributed $25,000, adding to his previous $30,000 donation.

In other races, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias had $21.8 million, with GOP challenger Diane Harris holding just over $1,800. At the same time, incumbent Attorney General Kwame Raoul had $1.7 million against Republican Bob Fioretti, who had around $28,000.

The competition for Comptroller finds Margaret Croke with nearly $109,000, while GOP candidate Bryan Drew has over $54,000, making this one of the more competitive state races in terms of funding.