Former President Donald Trump issued a rare Illinois-specific social media message Thursday night urging Republican voters to participate actively in the upcoming elections, including an unusual encouragement to utilize mail-in ballots, a voting method he has previously criticized. The message stood out for its absence of the harsh criticism typically directed at Democratic officials, focusing instead on mobilizing support for Republican candidates.
In a post on X, Trump emphasized early in-person voting, noting that it is currently underway in Illinois and runs through November 2. He urged supporters who have received mail-in ballots to return them promptly while also encouraging those without absentee ballots to vote in person. “Get everyone you know to vote for the Republican in every race, up and down the ballot,” Trump wrote, calling for a strong turnout to counter what he labeled the “Radical Left Dumocrats.”
Trump extended his full backing to GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey as well as Illinois' three Republican U.S. House members: Darin LaHood of Peoria, Mike Bost of Murphysboro, and Mary Miller of Hindsboro. “These great patriots have my complete and total endorsement,” Trump declared, asserting they “will never let you down.” Bailey, a farmer and former state legislator seeking to unseat Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in his second campaign, has largely sought to distance himself from Trump due to the former president’s sustained unpopularity in Illinois. However, Trump has endorsed Bailey in both of his gubernatorial bids. Bailey acknowledged the endorsement on social media, responding with: “Thank you, Mr. President.”
Notably absent from Trump’s message was any mention of Don Tracy, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. Tracy, a former Illinois GOP chair from Springfield who is challenging Democratic Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, has publicly expressed openness to receiving Trump’s endorsement but did not receive one in this instance.
The endorsement of Bailey and the state’s Republican congressional candidates, coupled with the unusual encouragement to use mail voting, marks a departure from Trump’s typical rhetoric surrounding Illinois elections, which have historically been characterized by intense criticism of Democratic officeholders including Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. This shift may reflect strategic considerations as the November elections approach.