In Illinois, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is calling for the elimination of the state gas tax, criticizing Gov. JB Pritzker for doubling it in 2019 and implementing automatic annual increases.
According to what was posted on X, Bailey stated that while national events are beyond control, Illinois can address costs at the pump, describing the policy as a “shakedown.” The post has drawn strong reactions online amid ongoing debates over fuel prices and state taxation.
The post was shared on X by Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey (@DarrenBaileyIL). The video shows Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker standing behind a podium with microphones from various local news outlets. He talks about inflation and rapidly rising gas prices. He explains that the global cost of fuel is increasing and uses hand movements to emphasize his points. He also mentions national and local reasons that fuel prices are so high.
The accompanying caption states that while events overseas cannot be controlled, Illinois can address what it taxes at the pump. Noting that Pritzker doubled the gas tax and that it increases automatically each year, calling the policy a “shakedown” and urging to “axe the gas tax.”
Online Reactions to the Gas Tax Criticism
Some commenters supported Bailey’s call to eliminate the tax, with one writing, “Let’s save Illinois. Let’s vote Pritzker out.” Another said, “Now your talkin. Indiana is just across the street. I can always fill up almost a buck cheaper.”
Others raised broader concerns. One commenter noted, “Besides the gas tax. There are bigger problems caused; honestly, he’s upping the prices for illegal immigrants. Rent housing costs affect illegals more than a person with a mortgage.”
Another wrote, “They snuck it on the ballot. And of course, JB and the democrats cheated again. They said it was for the infrastructure, but ended up giving the money to the illegals.”
A third netizen added,“You think Illinois is broke now…wait until the federal government wants all the federal funding back that was misappropriated through illegals.”
The moment stands out as it taps into ongoing resident frustration with fuel costs and state taxation in Illinois, fueling political debate ahead of elections.
The video continues to be shared on X as a larger conversation about taxes and the cost of living in Illinois emerges, and gives more fuel to the political discourse as elections approach.
