Former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin has endorsed Democratic Governor JB Pritzker for a third term in the upcoming November 3 general election, breaking with his own party in a significant public move. Durkin, who retired from the legislature in 2023 after a 24-year career including nine years as House GOP leader, criticized Republican nominee Darren Bailey’s campaign as ineffective and characterized Bailey’s approach as rooted in what he called a "delusional egomaniacal view of the world."

Durkin, who remains a Republican, expressed frustration with Bailey’s alignment with former President Donald Trump and his socially conservative positions, which Durkin says alienated key voting blocs in suburban areas, particularly women in the collar counties around Chicago. “We have lost so many voters because of this intolerance and exclusion that he has preached over the years,” Durkin said. He argued that Bailey’s campaign, heavily influenced by evangelical Christian faith and opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, could never achieve what Pritzker has done during his tenure, including investments in infrastructure and improving the state’s financial standing.

While Bailey, a downstate farmer and former state senator, has attempted to soften his image and distance himself from some controversial issues, he has again accepted Trump’s endorsement. Pritzker’s campaign has used this connection to emphasize Bailey’s conservative record. Durkin dismissed Bailey’s current positioning as opportunistic and insisted that the nominee "has not changed who he is," portraying him as a "right-wing evangelist" and a product of what Durkin described as the GOP’s problematic embrace of MAGA-style politics.

Pritzker welcomed Durkin’s endorsement, noting their occasional political differences but highlighting their collaboration on infrastructure and fiscal matters. “Leader Durkin has the heart of a public servant, and I am honored to have his support in this campaign,” Pritzker said.

Durkin’s break with the party’s established direction aligns with a broader trend of moderate Republicans voicing concerns about the GOP’s trajectory under Trump’s influence. He compared his decision to recent high-profile endorsements of Democrats by Republican strategists and figures such as Karl Rove and Cindy McCain, highlighting internal struggles within the party over ideology and direction.

Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, responded harshly to Durkin’s criticism, labeling him a “sellout RINO” (Republican In Name Only) and questioning his role within the party. Durkin, in turn, pointed to his long history of Republican service, legislative accomplishments, and efforts to build a competitive two-party system in Illinois.

Durkin emphasized his hope that the Illinois GOP will eventually move beyond the influence of Trump and factions pushing extreme views, enabling the party to reconnect with a broader electorate. However, he acknowledged that achieving such a shift remains uncertain as Illinois Republicans continue to grapple with internal divisions and electoral challenges.