NW Illinois News

Li Arellano Jr., the state senator for Illinois District 37, commented on the passing of former Governor George Ryan, describing him as a skilled leader who became entangled in corruption.

"Former Governor George Ryan has passed," said Arellano, State Senator 37th District (R), according to Facebook. "He was known as a capable administrative and political leader who got caught up in Illinois' culture of corruption. His leadership roles included Kankakee County Board chairman, State Representative, Illinois House Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and Illinois' 39th Governor (1999-2003)."

According to Shaw Local, former Governor Ryan died at his home at the age of 91. He served as Illinois' 39th governor from 1999 to 2003. His political career began in Kankakee County, where he served on the county board from 1968 to 1973. Ryan was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1972, became Lieutenant Governor under Governor James Thompson in 1982, and was elected Illinois Secretary of State in 1990.

Screenshot of State Senator Li Arellano's May atFacebook post | State Senator Li Arellano Jr.'s Facebook page

The Associated Press reported that Ryan was receiving hospice care at the time of his death. His tenure as governor is noted for halting executions and emptying death row, but also for allegations of using his position to reward friends and conceal corruption linked to the deaths of several children. During his time in the General Assembly, Ryan advocated for assault weapon restrictions and supported gambling expansion. He was also notable for being the first governor to visit Cuba since Fidel Castro took power. Ryan spent over five years in federal prison after being convicted on corruption charges and was released in January 2013 before turning 79. His wife, Laura, passed away in June 2011 while he was incarcerated.

NBC Chicago explained that Ryan’s conviction on federal corruption charges—including racketeering, corruption, tax fraud, and making false statements to the FBI—stemmed from a 1994 crash that killed Scott and Janet Willis’ six children. The driver responsible for the accident had received a license from a staffer in Ryan’s office when he was Secretary of State.

Arellano previously served as mayor of Dixon starting in 2015. During his two terms as mayor, he focused on restoring fiscal integrity, improving local infrastructure, and fostering economic development. According to his website, after fulfilling his objectives, Arellano honored his term limits and did not seek re-election for a third term. He returned to the private sector where he now owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop called The Frosted Spoon, and a commercial property leasing company. In addition to his business ventures, Arellano serves as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently a squad leader with the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.