>> Hello and thanks for joining us on Chicago tonight on Brandis Friedman.

Tonight, we're talking to some of the primary winners from this week's election.

Illinois.

>> Is less affordable because JB Pritzker.

>> How Republican nominee Darren Bailey is trying to flip the governor's mansion bread.

And Democratic congressional candidate Donna Miller and less on foreign on the issues and how they're gearing up for November.

>> First off tonight, authorities in Barcelona have identified the body of James greasy, the 20 year-old college student from Elmhurst who went missing on a trip to Spain.

Gracie was visiting the city for spring break and was last seen around 03:00AM local time Tuesday.

He was reported missing later that morning.

Spanish officials are continuing their investigation into Gracie's death.

But a spokesperson for the Barcelona police tells CNN, quote, Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act.

Another election day race finally called today.

Margaret Crook will be the Democratic Party nominee for state controller.

The race had been too close to call until now.

The Associated Press says Crooks came away with 34.6% of vote beating out state Sen Karina via Lake County, Treasurer Holly Kim and State Representative.

Stephanie, careful wit she'll face Republican Brian drew in November.

Millions of videos from Chicago police body cameras will not be Dilley did at least for now.

Judge Michael Mullen have previously ruled that the city would have until Monday to destroy an estimated 14 to 20 million videos that are not part of an active review.

It was part of a lawsuit brought by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 in January.

Mullen ruled that keeping those videos violated state law after lawyers for the city appealed his ruling own agreed to stay his own order.

It's likely to be more than a year before an Illinois appellate court rules on the issue.

If justices decide to consider the appeal at all.

Advocates are raising awareness about a bill to help provide housing for people returning home from prison and they're getting an assist from former Bulls star Joakim Noah.

I don't have.

>> Similar story.

You know, I never went to jail, but I do believe like.

What if my housing's situation was unstable?

How different would my life be?

So I don't think there's that much difference in us as people.

>> Nolan his star power to the home for Good Coalition today, which is calling for the passing of a bill in Springfield that would create the home for good at backers say the legislation would launch a statewide comprehensive program, creating additional housing units providing rental subsidies to returning residents and providing wrap-around services like job training, transportation, food and more.

The group says 45% of people leaving the Illinois Department of Corrections are unemployed for at least 3 years and 70% of people in state prisons were homeless or an stably housed before prison.

Lights, camera action.

State of Illinois saw a record-breaking business in the film industry last year with more than 700 million dollars spent on productions here.

That's according to figures from the state Governor Pritzker touts increased state tax credits and investments for the games and says the film industry boost has a ripple effect on the economy, Illinois.

office director Peter Hawley says the state is proud to be the first to offer incentives to encourage green production.

>> Personally, I've been bothered by mental environmental impact of caused by Trump productions over the years from film Food waste, plastic water bottles and paper to diesel generators running 14 hours a The environmental impact is unmeasurable.

Now with this expansion in this uplift, we will be the first state in the nation to incentivize producers to run a cleaner, more sustainable film production.

>> Illinois is home to major productions like NBC Chicago Fire Chicago Med and Chicago P D plus the FX hit the Bear and so many more.

Up next, one on one with Republican candidate for Illinois governor right after this.

>> Chicago tonight is made possible in part why the Alexander and John Nichols family.

The Pope Brothers Foundation.

And the support of these donors.

>> Illinois is gearing up for a rematch.

Former state Senator Darren Bailey won the Republican nomination for governor in Tuesday's primary election.

That means he'll be facing current Governor JB Pritzker in November's general Election Pritzker.

Be Bailey for the governor's mansion back in 2022.

But Bailey says this time around things could be different.

Joining us now is the Republican nominee for Illinois Governor Darren Bailey.

Welcome to the show.

And congrats on Reddit winning a race this week.

Thank you, Brandis.

Good to be here.

So you will have your set for rematch, as we've said with Governor JB Pritzker in November.

As we've also said, you lost the race to him back in 2022.

>> What do you feel is different about your candidacy, your campaign this time?

Well, there's a lot different.

I think that I'm a different person.

You know, 7 months ago, we didn't have this on the radar to run and we felt called to it thought that to we had learned enough over the last 4 years.

We could make a difference.

And then our family went through the tragedy and we literally had 3 months down time just soaking up family and things became.

>> Just just a lot clear and crisp are just about life in general.

And then as far as we began to look and think about our messaging where I live considering Chicago considering things that could have and should have been different for years ago.

you compound that with the fact that over the last 3 years, you know, it seems like today affordability, safety and education resonate with everyone.

Property taxes, rant, the cost of living the cost of energy.

It's it's out of hand.

And I think people are ready to be able to want to afford to live here in Illinois again, you talk about affordability that being your primary message of this campaign and you criticized the governor for raising taxes on Illinois residents.

>> While maintaining his billionaire status, what are your proposals to lower costs for people of the state?

Well, and that's when we have to have that conversation to begin to talk about it.

But >> when I started running as a state representative, the budget for Illinois was 32 billion dollars.

And today it's 55 Billion.

And the governor touted just a half a percent increase next year, which is a billion and a half dollars.

So 56 in over 56 billion dollars in spending.

That's not doing anyone any good.

And during the time that I served as a state representative in as a state senator, we just continue any time there was a problem, whether it was education, whether mental health, just money, hundreds of millions of dollars thrown at the problem with a no result resolve.

We still have the same problems that we have here.

Me JB Pritzker was able to take 2.5 billion dollars of our tax dollars and spend it on people who are here paying for free health care, free food and free shelter.

And and that would be fine if we had the money.

But we have senior center since we have veterans, we have a homeless problem and that we need to be dealing with that problem for so serving in watching that budget, grow and expand and seeing the unaccountable waste that exist in the budget.

Number one plan is to be able dissect that, find it and to show it to the people, you know, show them where their money is coming from, show it where it's going and then use that money to be able to push down some of these high costs.

during the 2022 race, he had a bit of a fraught relationship with the city of Chicago at the time drawing attention for your reference to the city as a hellhole.

>> What what approach?

How was your approach different this time around campaigning in Chicago?

So, you and I you know, and I doubled down on that when asked about it because I thought that addressing a problem.

I I'm I'm a farmer.

I've got men and women work on the phone with me.

And when I see a problem, I call it out.

>> didn't understand the love the people of Chicago have for their city.

I love Chicago.

I want Chicago to be the greatest, you know, the greatest city on on and in the nation.

But it was kind of a disciplinary and comment.

you know, I don't know that I completely understand stood that until these 3 months of down time we had then it just my heart kind of begin to change for the people I used to get on my Facebook lives and and and Monday.

Mornings.

A look at how many shootings and deaths there were, you know, over the weekend.

And those are just numbers and statistics.

And I began to learn that, gosh, those are lives.

Those are that, you somebody is brother sister on Clinton and and I think that's what changed.

I left Chicago.

I want to work with Chicago.

I want to help make it great.

I want to work with every organization, every group of people that here.

So has Chicago.

I'm sorry that I said what I said and I hope open up your ears and your doors and give me another chance to prove who I really am because we need to change in Illinois and and working with the General Assembly and the people of Illinois.

We can bring about that change and make life better and more affordable, safer improve education.

Here you received only 31% of vote in Cook County.

You have some work to do in the suburbs as well.

What will that look like for you?

It looks like work Sunday night will be living for the next 8 months.

We're going to be a you know, there was another mistake that I made 4 years ago.

we were out in the suburbs begin with and we moved into the city and we just we didn't realize in time that where we were at was really resonating to people.

You're going to said everywhere throughout the city.

I hope that when you do that, you feel like you can come up and have a conversation with me.

If you disagree with me, come up and let's have a conversation and and tell me why so we are looking for a place to stay in body out.

There has any advice where we need to stay will take it.

But to this will be our home for the next 8 months.

>> Illinois reliably Democratic state right has had only one Republican governor since 2000 Democrats hold and have held statewide constitutional offices.

Super majorities in the Legislature to Democrats in the U.S.

Senate.

What is preventing Republicans from winning statewide office in Illinois.

The lack of the leadership and the lack of just DEP representing the people as they you know, it seems like many times when someone gets elected and they stand up on stage and tell people what they're standing for.

>> After they get elected, the number one the number you know, rule for them becomes re-election.

So they kind of push aside what they what they promise.

But they said they work on sometimes Republicans, sometimes I myself, I will admit I haven't always had that open door.

I've been pretty close minded in the past.

asked earlier something else that's different.

I plan listening a lot more than talking.

But having that door open, bring in independents having that door open for Democrats who think that their party has left or them and making that convincing argument that to I'll hold true to my word.

I will make Illinois more affordable and all make help work with the leaders in Chicago to make it to a great city that I believe it should be.

>> Since 2020, more than 30 Illinois counties have passed advisory referendums to secede from the state, citing dissatisfaction with the political and cultural divide in Cook County.

Many people downstate believe that the differences between downstate and the Chicago Cook County area are irreconcilable.

Are they just so different that they cannot be that the 2 parts of the state are incompatible?

How do you the bridge that, you know, we is.

So that's what I want to do as well.

So I was I kind of made some of that noise early on.

Again.

That's just the learning process.

The government.

>> And then as I began to study that I began to realize, you know, you can't split at one point Chicago where bettors one, it's kinda like a marriage may be the 10 trouble you go.

Get help.

You figured out a new work together so we can live together, work together and love each other.

So I intend I mean, I think that's what's beautiful about to my candidacy.

The fact that I do understand rule issues, Aaron Delmar, my running mate understands, you know, Chicago issues.

I have learned immensely from him.

And I plan learning from the people of these next 8 months, a large part of your opponents campaign platform to Pritzker.

It has been to oppose President Trump.

He has criticized.

>> Present the president's immigration enforcement economic policy.

The list goes on.

If you are elected governor of Illinois, what would your relationship with President Trump like?

My relationship will be with the General Assembly and with the people.

And that's that's >> You know, said several times, I think JB Pritzker hates President Trump more than he loves the people of Illinois because, you know, this whole process of this money that's sitting there to come in for our schools.

Jb Pritzker just needs to apply with apply for it and work with federal government order receive with the federal about your program.

yes.

And he refuses to be that in and hey, all admit to the whole I situation it should have looked a lot different and been better coordinated and even go so far as to say there shouldn't be.

Federal agents in Cook County doing this work because, again, I'm going to put that JB Pritzker's feet if state and local law enforcement officials were able to go after the most dangerous of these people are here illegally.

We wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

But JB Pritzker wants to point the finger.

Donald Trump instead of coming up with solutions and making life better.

As you mentioned, you and your families suffered a very tragic accident in November.

Losing your son, your daughter in law, 2 grandchildren.

>> You took some time you chose to remain in the race.

How does that loss and your family, of course, in form the platform of your campaign and how will back, you know, informed the next few months until November.

My son was, you know, had some frustrations with Alan noise, his family.

They home school, their children.

And he just he felt threatened with some of the laws that JB Pritzker was imposing.

They were actually considering.

>> Moving to, you know, Florida, Chris, that he loves flying and he was going to get a job of flying down there.

And when we were best thing up passwords getting into his computer.

I found where he was thinking and working in talking with some people about running for state We realize that now we have this is what we believe in.

This is our fight and that we needed to stay stay the course.

Okay.

>> Darren Bailey, best of luck to you.

Condolences on your loss and thank you for joining us.

Thank you.

God bless you.

We also spoke with Governor Pritzker on last night's program.

So if you miss that, you can catch it on our website.

Up next, we sit down with the winners of 2 hotly contested congressional primaries.

The Illinois congressional delegation could be getting a new look.

>> 4 members either are retiring or left to run for higher office.

Opening up the opportunity to usher in a new generation of leaders.

Tonight, we welcome candidates who won Democratic primaries in 2 of those districts.

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller won the Democratic nomination in the second district, hoping to replace longtime Congresswoman Robin Kelly in this south side in south suburban district, she beat former Congressman Jesse Jackson junior among several other contenders.

And in the West Side, 7th Congressional District State Representative La Shawn Ford beat a crowded field that included Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyers, urban for the Democratic nomination to replace Congressman Danny Davis who served for nearly 30 years.

So joining us now, our second Congressional District Democratic nominee Donald Miller and on Zoom, 7th district.

Democratic nominee was Shawn Ford.

Welcome back.

Welcome to Chicago night.

Thank you for joining us.

And congrats on winning primaries this week.

Thank you so to be here.

So you bet.

So in a crowded field field of contenders for both of you, Donna Miller, first to you.

What do you think it was about your campaign and your messaging that one voters?

Well, we're focused on messaging and talking to the constituents of the second congressional district about what their concerns were, which where affordability, health care.

>> My focus has been health care for many, many years in the public sector as well as on the county board.

And people are desperately afraid of what health care cuts from.

The federal government looked like to them on a personal level.

We talked about that.

I engaged voters all along the way from the 43rd Street all the way down the Danville, which is extent of this district and talked about what people are concerned about.

Talked about families and being part of a community and people want to see someone they can resonate with.

And I think that's what helped make the difference.

Well, Shawn Ford, same question.

What you think it was about your campaign that one voters over?

>> think a combination of trust.

I think having a reputation of getting up every day serving the people that trusted with Office of State representative, you and being responsible and getting out there hitting the pavement, making the case that the right choice that I'll be ready on day one and not to mention having the support of the sitting congressman, the Nikkei Davis.

>> Representative Ford, what will you do to woo the voters who did not vote for you?

Because I should point out in your respective districts on you won a representative 23,000 votes.

Dionne Miller, 33,000 votes for you.

But that means 40,000 people voted for somebody, not you.

how are you going to win those folks over?

>> To serve them we're going to do everything unite the actual 7 congressional district is so good to have been able run with 12 other candidates because they have a base of people that we can all unite to bring them on board.

So every member that ran for Congress in the 7th Congressional District, I'm hoping that we all have a unity breakfast and do everything we can to bring their constituents on board so that their voices could be heard.

And we can have a strong district.

Commissioner Miller.

>> I think the same sort of thing.

I think that people are concerned about many things are aligned with similar candidates.

Those who did not align with my candidacy.

I want to have town halls across all the entire district and bring people and I promise that to people as I've talked to them across the district so that we can hear what they're concerned about, because it's every changing as we see with this administration, something different happens every single day.

So we want to make sure that accessing people meeting them where they are, but also making sure that they know that we can be a resource to them.

Com commissioner, sir, you said that neglect lacking economic investments, a leading to taxation inequities in your community, your district, those are the most pressing issues.

>> If elected in November, how do you plan on addressing that as as a freshman as a rookie congressperson?

Well, be right.

So hopefully, you know, hoping that the house is going to change.

And 26 and so we'll have a little bit more power to do things and get things done.

What we see across all districts is that people want to have businesses come to communities.

I have a focus, economic development plan and focus on really talking about and making sure that we're focused the best economic engine that we could see on the South side and south suburbs Chicago is the south suburban airport.

I talked about that.

The SAT the second congressional district is the largest logistical hub in the entire North America.

So we already have real.

already have transportation through the 5 highways, the interstates that meet and now we get to air portion will be able to connect not only throughout the state of Illinois that have international connection and bring resources the communities and that will lift up all the communities involved Representative Ford, you told Wbtw News our voter guide that affordability and health care are the most pressing issues facing your constituents.

>> What steps would you take to address that if elected?

>> Well, I know that the Democrats are very passionate, making sure that we're able to re store Obama care for those that have been that's that's struggling to keep good.

The degree determination going annually to every 6 months.

So we have to repeal.

And the Trump administration big ugly bill take away the tax cuts to billionaires return the money back to our health care systems for our seniors and for our communities that need it.

Most.

And the best way to do that is to unite is a Democratic Party and be as progressive possible.

So that when we win back the House and hopefully Senate, we don't mess up the opportunity to give the people in this country what they need most.

And that is Medicare for all.

And so we have to fight and be strong and not miss the opportunity again.

>> Commissioner Miller prior to Tuesday, sitting Representative Jan Schakowsky withdrew her endorsement of your race out of ties to a packed owners.

Now as this race continues, are you concerned that the financial support of your campaign from donors who have given to a packed and it's affiliate super PAC.

Could that negatively impact your campaign heading into November?

No, I don't think so.

In a matter of fact, he I talked today.

>> And so are back on the same page.

We're on the same doing what's right for people which we are.

We've happened.

I mean, I've been a leader for women's reproductive rights for for decades.

That something else I'm going to continue to do.

So I think that you know, my opponents had a great time talking about what these issues look like.

But the constituents of the second congressional district are focused on health care as as Representative Ford also mentioned, health care, Medicare for all.

These are things that he and I have also So we're going to be great in the freshman class together talking about these issues that we've already champion are different levels of government and that the other important thing is bringing all levels of government together.

And that's what's gonna make a difference.

Representative Ford, several super PACs, including a pact.

They supported your opposition candidate Melissa Conyers, Irvine.

>> Are you concerned about the role of big money in Illinois elections?

>> Absolutely.

I mean, we have to protect our democracy and make sure that voices of the people are not drowned out by money and special interests.

People hiding behind dark money.

You know, people will not be able to run for office represent their constituents.

If the have dark money.

So I really hope that we could do something to have campaign finance reform and and citizens action in America.

for our democracy.

>> Before we run out of time, there is a lot of pressure, of course, on the Democratic this year after the 2024 election cycle.

Commissioner, to you on this first, how do you think the party should be shifting its focus and how do you see your candidacy getting into You know, I think was in the room changes how the conversations go.

We're going to have 4 new congressional candidate, people from the state of Illinois.

That's how we're going to shift the focus.

We're also going to be the majority in the House.

That's going to shift the focus.

And I think if we're all aligned on the things that people are concerned about as we keep talking about health care is the number one, cutting 880 billion dollars health care is not what people feel comfortable with.

We want people feel comfortable.

We want them to trust in their government.

And I want to deliver that to the constituents of the second district.

Sounds like you feel confident in about Democrats.

>> Picking up some seats in taking.

That is a really I do.

Yes, yeah.

I think it's going to happen.

10 seconds.

Representative Ford II feel the same way.

>> I do.

As long as we wind our 10 and bring more people and we have to bring the young people in the James Eason, the millennials to make sure that they are able to fight get their message out.

That's how we're going to win district.

And that's how we make they're Thank Good place to leave.

It was on for Donna Miller.

Congrats, best of luck to you.

Appreciate you joining us.

Thank you.

>> And that's our show for this Thursday night.

You can get Chicago tonight streamed on Facebook, YouTube and on our website Www Dot com slash news.

>> And join us tomorrow night at 5.37, for the week in review.

Now for all of us here in Chicago Brandis Friedman, thank you for watching.

Stay healthy and safe and have a good night.

>> Oppose caption, pass by Robert, a cliff and Clifford law offices, Chicago, personal injury and wrongful death for that is a multi-lingual law