Beni Rae Harmony, a former television anchor in Illinois, has made headlines following her suspension after a heartfelt tribute to the slain conservative Charlie Kirk. At the launch of Darren Bailey’s gubernatorial campaign for 2026, Harmony endorsed him while invoking powerful biblical themes that resonate with many followers of faith. She began her endorsement by emphasizing the need for courage in the face of adversity, likening her situation to that of Esther from the Bible. “When you make a choice, you need to stand in it, be convicted in it and not give up,” she stated, underlining the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.
In her remarks, Harmony did not shy away from criticizing the current administration. She called out Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, suggesting that the state needs a “revival” to reclaim its identity. “We are witnessing what the Bible said, we are witnessing the evil in our country,” Harmony proclaimed. Her criticism extended beyond Pritzker’s policies; she questioned his connection to faith. “Does J.B. Pritzker pray for us? Does J.B. Pritzker even know what a Bible is?” This line drew clear distinctions between Pritzker’s approach and Bailey’s faith-based leadership style.
Harmony addressed the crowd directly, challenging them to consider the weight of their voices. “Silence or speaking truth… What would you choose?” she asked. Her rhetorical questions were designed to ignite passion among her supporters, urging them to speak up for their beliefs. “You were given a voice, the voice that I was suspended for… I want every single one of you to vow that you will do the same,” she urged, making it clear that the time for action is now.
As she continued to express her enthusiasm for Bailey, Harmony emphasized his strong Christian values. She declared, “Darren is a man who is led by Christ, and you can see it in every movement that he makes.” This assertion painted Bailey as a leader unafraid to stand firm in his convictions, regardless of potential backlash. Harmony’s powerful rhetoric framed Bailey not just as a candidate, but as a beacon of hope for a state she described as troubled.
Building momentum, Harmony highlighted a shared journey with her audience. “I’m so blessed to be here with all of you and I’m going to be fighting right alongside,” she promised, projecting unity and determination. Her bold prediction reiterated the stakes for the upcoming election: “We will make sure that Darren becomes our next governor.”
This deeply personal speech followed the tragic episode of Kirk’s assassination, which had prompted Harmony to reflect upon the impact of mentorship in her life. Two days prior to her endorsement, she described losing “a mentor, my first boss, the first person who made me believe in myself.” Her sentiments touched on the importance of community and the influence of leaders, underscoring a broader theme of perseverance in the face of loss.
Throughout her speech, Harmony consistently encouraged those in attendance to lean on their neighbors. “There’s a lot going on in our world right now… but I want to say one thing, lean on your neighbors. Speak up for what you believe in,” she said. In this, she sought to build a sense of solidarity among her supporters, promoting a community aligned in purpose and belief.
Overall, Beni Rae Harmony delivered a passionate endorsement of Darren Bailey, intertwining her narrative of personal struggle with a broader call for political and spiritual revival in Illinois. The biblical references served not only as a foundation for her arguments but also as a rallying cry for fellow conservatives seeking meaningful change.
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