Sangamon Sun

Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey encourages a large turnout for Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair.

"Let's send a message to J.B. Pritzker that there is strong momentum to make him a one-term governor,” he said. “If you can make it out, we would love to see you at Republican Day at the Fair!”

The current state senator from Xenia made his plea in the cause of demanding real change. 

"I urge everyone who can make it out to Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair to come to the Fairgrounds and show your support for real change in Illinois," he said.

The Republican Day event, which is exclusively available for free to the first 1,500 individuals who register on the Illinois GOP website, is considered a forerunner to a strong referendum against Pritzker's stint as governor. 

"The failed policies of the past are destroying our economy and hurting working families. School supplies cost more money,” Bailey said. “Gas prices in Illinois are higher than surrounding states. People overworked, overtaxed and ready for change."

Bailey's appeal to limit Pritzker's tenure to a single term comes at a time when Republican challengers to incumbent Democrats are on the rise, while President Joe Biden's popularity rating is at a record low, dragging down many of his Democratic allies, according to the New York Post.

Bailey and other Illinois Republicans are hopeful for a free and fair election and a Republican victory in the state. According to Republican National Committee Chairman Don Tracy, the GOP's highest priority as the fall election approaches is to ensure that the people's will is carried out by ensuring election integrity throughout the voting process, Prairie State Wire reported.

The Republican Party predicts that it will take control of the United States House of Representatives and many gubernatorial seats this fall in what they call the "Red Wave," according to Roll Call.