Gaetz’s Endorsement

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is throwing his support behind Darren Bailey, a former Illinois state representative, in a bid to unseat fellow GOP congressman Rep. Mike Bost. Gaetz described Bailey as a proven conservative and a fighter, emphasizing his belief that Bailey would be an improvement over Bost.

Gaetz’s Confidence

Drawing parallels to his involvement in Liz Cheney’s primary challenge, Gaetz expressed confidence in Bailey’s ability to mount a successful campaign. He highlighted his past success in supporting strong challengers and expressed optimism about replicating that success in Southern Illinois.

Support for Bailey

Bailey has garnered support from other conservative figures, including Rep. Mary Miller, a member of the House Freedom Caucus. Gaetz is scheduled to headline a rally with Bailey, further signaling his commitment to Bailey’s campaign.

Bost’s Response

In response to Gaetz’s endorsement, Bost downplayed the significance of Gaetz’s involvement, stating that he never viewed Gaetz as a threat but rather as an annoyance. Bost’s dismissive remarks reflect the tension between him and Gaetz, stemming from previous confrontations on the House floor.

History of Conflict

Bost’s confrontational demeanor has been evident throughout his political career, with notable outbursts both in the Illinois House of Representatives and in Congress. His past clashes with Gaetz, including a heated exchange on the House floor and an incident during a closed-door GOP meeting, have contributed to the strained relationship between the two lawmakers.

Outlook for the Primary

As Gaetz throws his weight behind Bailey’s campaign, the primary race in Southern Illinois is expected to intensify. With Gaetz’s endorsement and support from other conservative figures, Bailey’s challenge to Bost could pose a significant threat to the incumbent congressman’s re-election bid.