Bailey’s Trump card? Ex-president gives ‘complete and total endorsement’ to downstate farmer in GOP gov race

Former President Donald Trump, right, ushers gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Darren Bailey to the podium at a rally at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Mendon, Ill., on Saturday. (Mike Sorensen/Quincy Herald-Whig via AP)

Calling Darren Bailey “the man to take on and defeat one of the worst governors in America,” former President Donald Trump on Saturday endorsed the downstate farmer in the GOP gubernatorial primary race — a boost in the waning days of what has become a heated and expensive contest.

“Darren is a fearless supporter of the Second Amendment and a tireless champion of religious liberty,” Trump said at a “Save America” rally in Mendon. “He will crack down on the violent crime that is devouring our Democrat-run cities and restore the state of Illinois to greatness. Darren has my complete and total endorsement.”