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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Four family members of a Republican running for governor in Illinois were killed in a Montana helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday.
Killed in crash Wednesday were the son and daughter-in-law of former state Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican who lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and is seeking his party’s nomination again in next year’s race.
Two of Bailey’s grandchildren also were killed, Bailey’s campaign said in a statement.
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them,” the statement said.
MK and I are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Darren and Cindy Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children Vada Rose and Samuel.
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) October 23, 2025The NTSB is investigating the crash Wednesday of a Robinson Helicopters R66 in Ekalaka, Montana.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) October 23, 2025The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that it was investigating a helicopter crash in eastern Montana near the town of Ekalaka.
Bailey, from the southern Illinois town of Xenia, announced this year that he is seeking the GOP’s nominee for governor in 2026. He lost to Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022 after serving single, two-year terms in both the Illinois House and Senate.
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He unsuccessfully challenged five-term incumbent Republican U.S. Rep Mike Bost in last year’s primary race for a district that covers much of the bottom one-third of Illinois.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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