Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey criticized Governor JB Pritzker on X over the state’s high property taxes.
In a post that included a video clip, Bailey accused the governor of breaking a promise to address the issue and instead laughing at residents’ complaints. Illinois has the highest property taxes in the nation. The post has drawn attention online, with users expressing frustration and debating the candidates ahead of the 2026 election.
The video is a split-screen comparison. On the left, it shows footage labeled 2020 of then-Gov. JB Pritzker speaking from the Illinois House chamber, stating that property taxes are too high and calling for changes to support local governments in lowering them. On the right, labeled 2024, it shows Pritzker in an interview setting responding to a question about suburban voters and property taxes, saying the issue is controlled mostly by local school boards and not directly by state government.
In the post caption, Bailey accused Pritzker of breaking a promise to fix property taxes and instead laughing at complaining voters. Bailey stated that Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the country and pledged to freeze, cap, and fight for relief if elected governor.
Online Reactions to Bailey’s Post
Some users supported Bailey’s criticism and called for change. One commenter wrote, “Property tax is unconstitutional and is theft. Property tax needs to be removed.”
Another said, “I would welcome anyone who can overthrow JB. We, Illinois residents, are tired of his administration.”
Others expressed strong opposition to Pritzker, with one stating, “He needs to go back to California. He doesn’t care about Illinois.”
Supporters of Bailey’s campaign added messages like “People seriously can’t think voting for JB is a good idea. BAILEY 2026!”
A few responses pushed back, including one that simply read, “Shut up, Darren.”
The exchange stayed in the spotlight because it reflected a juxtaposition between what Pritzker said about property taxes before and what he was saying on the campaign trail as taxpayers were feeling the pinch of some of the nation’s highest tax rates.
The clip has added fuel to the ongoing debate over property taxes in Illinois and is now circulating as part of the early 2026 gubernatorial campaign conversation.
Bailey’s challenge highlights the continuing divide between the candidates on one of the state’s most contentious issues.
