By Illinois Review
More than three months after Illinois Republicans selected Darren Bailey as their nominee for governor, tensions within the party remain unresolved as some Bailey supporters accuse allies of former gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski of continuing to undermine efforts to unite Republicans ahead of the general election.
The latest example occurred during a Bailey fundraising event earlier this week, where organizers say potential attendees were actively encouraged not to attend and not to financially support the Bailey campaign.
According to individuals familiar with the outreach efforts, several prospective attendees reported being contacted by people aligned with the Dabrowski campaign and encouraged to avoid the event.
Despite those efforts, attendees still showed up, and organizers described the fundraiser as a success.
“Several people told us they had been encouraged not to attend,” one Bailey supporter told Illinois Review on the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about potential political retaliation. “Fortunately, they chose to come anyway, and many left saying they were glad they did.”
The incident has reignited concerns among Bailey supporters who argue that some members of the Dabrowski political operation have been unwilling to accept the outcome of the March Republican primary.
Bailey defeated Dabrowski in a hard-fought primary contest that exposed deep divisions within Illinois Republican circles. Supporters of Bailey argue that criticism directed at the candidate during the primary has continued even after Republican voters selected their nominee.
While contested primaries are common in politics, Bailey supporters say the expectation is that defeated candidates eventually unite behind the nominee once voters have made their choice.
That unity, they argue, has yet to materialize.
Sources close to the Bailey campaign say Dabrowski has still not met with Bailey’s team to discuss party unity or ways to support the Republican ticket heading into November.
The lack of engagement has fueled frustration among Republicans who believe party leaders should be focused on defeating Democrats rather than continuing primary election battles.
Several Republican activists expressed concern that ongoing efforts to discourage support for the nominee could ultimately hurt the party’s chances in a state where Republicans already face significant challenges.
With the general election approaching, some Illinois Republicans worry that lingering divisions from the primary could hinder efforts to build a unified statewide coalition.
Others argue that the party’s focus should now shift entirely toward defeating Democrats in November – and that effort should include Ted Dabrowski standing alongside Darren Bailey and working to unite Republicans behind the party’s nominee.
