Republican voters will decide their nominee for Illinois 12th Congressional District U.S. Representative on March 19 between incumbent Mike Bost and challenger Darren Bailey.  The 12th District encompasses mostly the southern portion of the state south of Interstate 70, plus a small area north and east of Effingham to the Indiana border. 

Mike Bost

Mike Bost, 63, of Murphysboro, is running for re-election as the U.S. Representative of Illinois’ 12th District, but must first win the primary race against former Illinois legislator Darren Bailey.

Bost and his wife Tracy have three children and 11 grandchildren. Bost graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1979 and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving until 1982. He worked for 13 years at Bost Trucking Service, first as a driver and then for 10 years as a truck manager. He also served as a firefighter for the Murphysboro Fire Department.

Prior to his election to U.S. Congress, Bost served for two decades in the Illinois House of Representatives, rising to the leadership position of House Republican Caucus Chair. He was also a member of the Jackson County Board and a trustee and treasurer of Murphysboro Township.

Bost is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association as well as being a member of the Marine Corps League, Illinois Corn Growers, Illinois Farm Bureau and Murphysboro American Legion.

“I am running for Congress because I want a better, brighter and more secure future for our children and grandchildren. The woke (President Joe) Biden agenda is crushing our families, and Southern Illinoisans deserve a fighter who will stand up for our values in Congress. They don’t want another show horse without a plan – we have enough of those in D.C. already. The people want real, conservative leadership that beats back the liberal agenda and improves conditions for working families. That’s what being a governing conservative is all about,” Bost said.

As a part of the U.S. Marines from 1979-82, Bost said he has veterans’ interests in mind if re-elected.

“As chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’ve been entrusted by House conservatives to be the leading voice in Congress for our veterans. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I’m proud to report Congress has passed my legislation to streamline the disability appeals process for veterans seeking their benefits. I also introduced bills to stop the Biden Administration from taking resources intended for our veterans and using them for illegal migrant healthcare or from violating veterans’ Second Amendment rights,” Bost said. “As a Marine, the father of a Marine and the grandfather of a Marine, my proudest achievement is being able to serve our veterans in such an important role and there is much more to be done to ensure that our veterans receive the care they deserve.”

Bost believes border security will be a key issue if elected to another term.

“The invasion at our southern border is the number one issue facing our country. We have a crisis that is out of control thanks to Joe Biden’s reckless policies. The drugs and dangers that are pouring into our country must be stopped. I have visited Eagle Pass, Texas, twice in the last year and met with border patrol agents who are overworked and undermanned,” Bost said. “They know Biden has failed them. We must re-elect President Trump and implement the no-nonsense border security bill I voted for: H.R. 2 would finish President Trump’s border wall, end ‘catch and release’ and hire more border patrol agents to end this crisis once and for all.”

Bost says his track record differentiates him from his Republican challenger.

“I am a battle-tested conservative with a record of results. I’m not in this race for a job title or an ego trip, like some others in this race appear to be. I strongly supported the Trump agenda when he was in the White House and never hesitated to stand up to the liberals who were destroying our economy, our security, and our values. I am proud to have the endorsements of President Donald J. Trump, National Right to Life, the National Rifle Association, the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois’ police officers and firefighters, and my House Freedom Caucus conservatives Jim Jordan and Byron Donalds. These folks know a real conservative when they see one and I couldn’t be happier they chose to support me,” Bost concluded.

Darren Bailey

Darren Bailey, 57, of Xenia, is challenging Bost in the March 19 primary, relying on his time as an Illinois legislator and his gubernatorial campaign challenging  Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2022.

He lives on Bailey Family Farm near Louisville with his wife of 37 years, Cindy. They are the proud parents of four married children and grandparents of 13 grandchildren. 

Bailey’s time in the Illinois legislature includes one term in the Illinois Senate for the 55th District after serving one term in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 109th District. 

Bailey is a third-generation family farmer in Southern Illinois, focusing on corn, wheat and soybeans. He founded Full Armor Christian Academy in Louisville with his wife Cindy, offering a Christ-centered education.

He is a graduate of North Clay High School and earned an Associate of Science degree in agricultural production from Lake Land College.

Bailey served 17 years on the North Clay Unit School District 25 Board of Education, including 12 years as board president.

He is a member of the  Louisville Rotary Club,  Illinois Independent Business Federation, Illinois Wheat Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Soybean Association, Fellowship of Christian Farmers, Farm Bureau, Future Farmers of America Alumni, Illinois State Rifle Association,  Guns Save Life, National Rifle Association, Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 and Crossroots Church in Effingham.

“I’m running because our district and our nation are at a crossroads, and we need someone who doesn’t just talk tough but stands firm on conservative principles and fights for our families. While my opponent has been voting for amnesty for 1.8 million illegal immigrants, working with Adam Kinzinger to restrict gun rights, voting to send $500 million of our tax dollars to Planned Parenthood and cozying up to special interests, I’ve been in the thick of it, fighting against this nonsense, standing against Governor Pritzker’s oversteps and defending our freedoms here in Southern Illinois,” Bailey said, adding, “My approach is straightforward: I will be a conservative, unyielding force defending our rights, and will have no tolerance for nonsense or government mandates that diminish freedoms.”

Bailey said he plans to focus on protecting borders and families, championing conservative issues rather than the business-as-usual government which he claims caters to lobbyists and donors.

“As the conservative outsider, my top priority is to secure our borders and prioritize the needs of working families over special interests. While my opponent has voted to send over $40 billion to Ukraine while our own border was under attack, I will always put the needs of our citizens and country first. I will stand against funding Planned Parenthood, firmly oppose any amnesty measures, champion conservative principles and values without hesitation,” Bailey said, adding he plans on bringing a new voice to Washington, D.C.

“My commitment extends beyond mere words; I am determined to cut through government red tape, fostering job creation and opportunities within our communities. Unlike my opponent, who has become a symbol of Washington’s detachment and decay, my action plan in Congress is rooted in conservative values, a commitment to reinvigorate our district and ensure our community’s prosperity and security,” Bailey continued.

Like Bost, Bailey also believes border security will be a major issue for the next Congress.

“In this crucial race for Congress, the stakes couldn’t be higher, especially on key issues that affect not just Southern Illinois but our nation as a whole. Firstly, securing our borders is paramount. Unlike my opponent, who voted to grant amnesty to 1.8 million illegal immigrants and hesitated even to utter the word ‘wall’ in 2018, my stance is unambiguous,” Bailey began. “I am committed to finishing President Trump’s border wall and ensuring our immigration laws are enforced with rigor.”

Bailey contends his main focus will be improving the lives of the people in Illinois’ 12th District.

“My campaign is about fighting for the working families of Southern Illinois, reducing spending to provide tax relief, and defending our freedoms. Our region is ripe for economic revitalization, boasting strategic location, access to major transportation routes, and a hard-working, resilient workforce. My mission will involve working closely with our communities to attract jobs and opportunities… It’s not just a state or federal issue, it’s our issue and I’m ready to make it a priority,” Bailey continued. 

“I also pledge to be an ambassador for Southern Illinois, showcasing our region’s potential to national leaders… In contrast to my opponent, whose tenure has been marked by selling us out to special interests and aligning with policies undermining our sovereignty, I offer a clear vision,” Bailey concluded, adding, “This race is about choosing a leader ready to take bold actions for the prosperity and security of Southern Illinois and our nation. My opponent has been in government for 40 years – can anyone honestly say they are better off?”