By Illinois Review
Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey delivered one of the sharpest moments of Tuesday night’s WTTW forum against Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, warning that the governor risks being remembered for losing the Chicago Bears to Indiana while accusing him of driving wealthy job creators out of Illinois with “socialist” tax policies.
The two rivals faced off in their only scheduled debate before the November 3 election, clashing over taxes, public safety, immigration and President Donald Trump. But it was Bailey’s attack over the Bears that produced one of the evening’s most memorable exchanges.
“I’m just glad I’m not going to be known as the governor that lost the Bears,” Bailey declared.
“You want to know why he’s going to wait till November? Because the Bears are going to Indiana,” Bailey continued.
“It’s like you’re wishing for it,” Pritzker fired back.
Rather than dismissing the possibility of the Bears leaving Illinois, Pritzker accused Bailey of rooting for their departure.
“It’s already done. Braun’s assured me of that,” Bailey responded, referring to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun.
The exchange highlighted a politically sensitive issue for Pritzker as he seeks a third term: the possibility of losing one of America’s most iconic sports franchises to neighboring Indiana.
Pritzker insisted negotiations remain ongoing and expressed confidence that lawmakers could reach an agreement after the election to keep the team in Illinois without forcing taxpayers to finance a new stadium.
Bailey, however, argued that the Bears’ potential departure reflects a larger problem: Illinois continues losing businesses, residents and economic opportunities under Democratic leadership.
The Republican challenger also repeatedly hammered Pritzker for invoking President Trump rather than defending his own record.
Early in the debate, Bailey encouraged viewers to grab water, iced tea or lemonade and take a drink every time Pritzker mentioned Trump. As the governor returned to national politics, Bailey reminded viewers to “drink up.”
The running joke reinforced Bailey’s argument that Pritzker would rather campaign against Trump than answer for nearly eight years in Springfield.
On taxes, Bailey accused Pritzker of embracing a “socialist” mentality that punishes financial success and drives investors out of Illinois.
“If we continue to tax the rich, that’s a socialist mentality, and we can’t afford to do that,” Bailey said.
Bailey pointed to billionaire Ken Griffin, the Citadel founder who relocated his residence and company’s headquarters from Chicago to Florida in 2022 after years of criticizing Illinois’ political and economic direction.
For Bailey, Griffin’s departure illustrates the broader consequences of policies he argues are driving away investment, jobs and future tax revenue.
Pritzker defended his record, highlighting minimum wage increases, paid leave protections, improved credit ratings and abortion rights. He repeatedly tied Bailey to Trump while criticizing federal policies affecting Illinois residents.
The candidates also sparred over the SAFE-T Act, immigration, education, energy costs and public safety. Independent candidate Collin Corbett was excluded from the forum.
With Election Day approaching, Bailey sought to make the race a referendum on Pritzker’s record rather than President Trump’s.
And the Bears exchange provided his clearest message.
After nearly eight years in office, Pritzker is asking voters for another four. Yet the future of the Chicago Bears remains uncertain, with Indiana actively pursuing the franchise.
Pritzker insists a deal can still be reached.
Bailey says it’s already too late.
And Tuesday night, Bailey made certain Illinois voters knew exactly which governor he believes will be remembered if the Bears leave.
