"We can throw in the towel, walk away and leave our future to the same corrupt career politicians. Or we can fight. I choose to fight," Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says in his new campaign video. | Getty Embattled Illinois governor to run for second term

CHICAGO — Illinois Republican governor Bruce Rauner is officially running for a second term, his campaign confirmed.

The announcement comes as the embattled governor has endured ongoing staff turmoil and as he faces a revolt from conservatives in his own party.


In a new campaign video, which Rauner narrates, the governor says the people of Illinois have a choice: “We can throw in the towel, walk away and leave our future to the same corrupt career politicians. Or we can fight. I choose to fight.”

The announcement comes after another Republican — state Rep. Jeanne Ives — announced she is circulating petitions to run in a primary race against Rauner.

The governor enraged conservatives after he signed a bill compelling the state to fund abortions for the poor.

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Rauner was elected in 2014 under the promise of turning around Illinois’ economic fiscal climate. However, the amount of unpaid state bill debt tripled. Over the summer, 15 Republicans broke ranks and voted against Rauner to approve a budget that included an income tax increase to end a two-year budget impasse.

Rauner vetoed the measure but the legislature overrode him.