Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey shared a video clip on X criticizing Gov. JB Pritzker, saying the governor “fights harder to keep men in women’s bathrooms than he does to keep the Bears in Chicago.” The post references Pritzker’s announcement that the Pride Flag would fly above the Illinois State Capitol and features footage from a hearing in which Rep. Brandon Gill questions the governor about a past statement on bathroom use. The clip and accompanying text have sparked widespread reactions online over the state’s policy priorities.
In the shared video clip from a formal congressional-style hearing, Rep. Brandon Gill stands at a witness table holding up a printed document while questioning Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Gill references Pritzker’s past suggestion during a protest against Donald Trump that everyone should use the opposite gender’s bathroom that day, then asks if the governor has ever used the women’s bathroom himself. Pritzker responds, “Not that I can recall,” before Gill points out the apparent inconsistency in the exchange.
The accompanying text from Darren Bailey criticizes Gov. JB Pritzker by quoting the governor’s recent announcement that the Pride Flag would fly above the Illinois State Capitol this month. He argues that Pritzker fights harder to keep men in women’s bathrooms than to keep the Bears in Chicago, highlighting what he sees as misplaced priorities.
Online Reactions to Darren Bailey’s Post on X
Some users agreed with the criticism and raised concerns about state leadership and economic issues. One commenter wrote, “Pritzker’s flag that needs to hang in Springfield. Big L for losing all our major companies, including our Chicago Bears!”
Another stated, “JB Pritzker has clown policies. And it is not serious about improving the lives of everyday Illinoisans. #taxes #dabears.”
A third noted problems with taxes leaving the state and business losses, adding that the governor did not deserve the position amid other challenges.
Other replies questioned elements of the post or sought clarification. One user asked, “And what is your actual proposal to prevent men in women’s bathrooms? How do you plan on enforcing this?”
Another comment criticized the choice of video clip and stated that similar efforts to keep the Bears in Illinois had not been visible from the poster or party members. One response observed, “That’s your expressed opinion, but it may not be enough to change anyone’s vote.”
The clip has added fuel to the ongoing debate in Illinois politics between the candidates. As the gubernatorial race continues, such exchanges are drawing attention to differing priorities on social issues and economic concerns facing the state.
