Downstate Republican state legislator who collapsed during House proceedings hoping to leave hospital soon

SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Darren Bailey was doing well after collapsing on the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center, his chief of staff said Monday, and the downstate Republican was preparing to leave the hospital.

The representative from Xenia still has some tests to undergo while in the hospital but “if everything [comes back] clear, he should be out of the hospital and back at the BOS Center … to do the people’s business tomorrow,” Jose Durbin, his chief of staff, said Monday.

Those tests came back clear Monday afternoon and the representative and his wife, Cindy, are awaiting his release from Memorial Medical Center, according to a statement from Bailey’s office.

Bailey won a seat in the state Senate in November and is planning to be sworn in on Wednesday, Durbin said.

BlueRoom Stream

“Thank you to absolutely everyone who has lifted me up in prayer, called, and messaged Cindy and me with words of encouragement and kindness,” Bailey said in the statement. “I look forward to returning to the Bank of Springfield Center to continue doing the people’s work.”

Bailey collapsed Sunday, but he appeared to get on a gurney himself and gave a thumbs up while being wheeled out.

Durbin said Bailey experienced some stomach issues Sunday but couldn’t discuss what he was being treated for.

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said Sunday that Bailey has been experiencing some “gastrointestinal issues” and hadn’t eaten Sunday, “which led to him passing out on the floor” and hitting his head.

Despite their disagreements on issues, Durkin wished him well and urged other legislators to do the same.

“We have our disagreements on many issues, but at the end of the day we are a family, and let’s remember that,” Durkin said. “We wish well to everyone. This is a time in which we have to consider and we have to put the priority of one’s health above anything as we do for our constituents.”

Bailey, 54, was the first to sue Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker over his stay-at-home order.

The southern Illinois legislator was elected to the state Senate in November, beating Democrat Cynthia Ann Given, nearly 77% to 23%.

Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton both tweeted shortly after Bailey collapsed, wishing him a speedy recovery.