Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, a popular two-term Republican who guided the state through significant financial challenges in the 1990s, died Sunday, September 15, 2025, at age 79. Edgar died from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer, which he publicly disclosed in February 2025.
His family confirmed his death in a statement, expressing gratitude for the support they received during his illness. Despite his failing health, Edgar continued making public appearances until the end, including attending his 2025 Edgar Fellows program in Urbana in August, though he required an emergency room visit during the gathering.
Edgar served as Illinois‘ 38th governor from 1991 to 1999, following a decade as the state’s secretary of state. Born in rural northeast Oklahoma, he grew up in Charleston, Illinois, and attended Eastern Illinois University, where he served as student body president.
His political career began early, with Edgar running Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1952 campaign in his elementary school’s mock election while in first grade, establishing his lifelong Republican identity despite his parents being Democrats. After college, he worked as an intern and staffer for Republican legislative leaders before winning election to the Illinois House in 1976 at age 30.
During Edgar’s second legislative term, then-Governor Jim Thompson appointed him as legislative liaison, later naming him secretary of state in 1981. Edgar held that position for a decade until becoming governor in 1991.
When Edgar assumed the governorship, Illinois faced severe financial difficulties, with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt and bills being paid months late. Amid a national recession, he pushed legislators to cut the state budget, implementing layoffs and reductions in popular programs. He also fulfilled a campaign promise by making a temporary income tax surcharge permanent, providing stable funding for public schools.
Edgar reflected on his tenure in 1998, telling The Associated Press: “It wasn’t always pretty how it was done, but we got a lot done.” He indicated they tackled tough issues and achieved most of their goals despite challenges.
The moderate Republican easily won reelection, including capturing heavily Democratic Cook County where Chicago is located. He surprised political observers in 1997 by announcing he would not seek a third term despite his popularity. Republicans attempted to draft him for other offices, including the U.S. Senate and another gubernatorial run, but he declined all offers.
Edgar’s stature in Illinois political history was elevated by the corruption convictions of his two immediate successors, George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich, who both served prison time. Ryan died in May 2025, just months before Edgar’s passing.
As the Republican Party shifted rightward nationally, Edgar became increasingly uneasy with the changes. He was among prominent Republicans who opposed Donald Trump’s presidency, joining the “Republicans for Harris” campaign supporting Vice President Kamala Harris‘ unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid.
Following his gubernatorial service, Edgar transitioned to teaching and served as president emeritus of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. He remained active in Illinois political circles, heading a bipartisan program to develop emerging leaders from across the state.
His legacy includes his commitment to bipartisan governance and fiscal responsibility. Bob Kustra, who served as Edgar’s lieutenant governor, praised his integrity and management of one of the most successful periods in Illinois state government. Former Democratic Governor Pat Quinn commended Edgar as a good and decent man who cared deeply about Illinois residents.
Current Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, who considered Edgar a friend and mentor, announced that flags across Illinois would fly at half-staff in his honor. Pritzker emphasized Edgar’s commitment to reaching across the aisle and his enduring respect for all people. At a May 2025 event dedicating a reading room at the Illinois State Library in Edgar’s honor, Pritzker recalled Edgar’s advice about the governor’s most critical job being to pass a budget.
Edgar is survived by his wife and two children. His family indicated that funeral arrangements would be announced in the coming days.
